Ingredion, a global information provider for the ingredient solutions market, conducted a study that reveals new consumer trends in South America and the potential of herbal foods.
According to Ingredion, the report reveals the habits, preferences and opinions of consumers in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Peru in relation to topics such as quality of life, food, and sustainability. The study, which was carried out in conjunction with the consulting firm Opinaia, revealed the following
- 90% of the region would be interested in consuming plant-based foods, driven by the desire to eat healthier and take care of their health.
- At the regional level, 67% consider the sustainability of brands to be very important.
- More than a third of South Americans identify with some alternative food stream.
- For food in general as well as for those of vegetable origin, taste and recognition of the ingredients on the label are the most relevant attributes.
As we have already reported, the consumption trend of food and plant-based products continues to grow, not only in South America but in the entire region, including the Caribbean and Mexico. The latter seems to be the country with the greatest potential, as 20% of Mexicans identify themselves as vegan or vegetarian.
Andrea Favre, Ingredion’s Marketing Director for South America, said: “There is a general consensus about the importance of food in the quality of life. Today, eating well means being healthy. Therefore, when consuming food and beverages, people look for healthiness, besides taste and affordability, while there is a great interest in knowing the origin of the ingredients consumed daily”.
Based on the information gathered, the food industry solution provider has concluded that plant-based foods have fertile ground to develop in this region.
