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How is Kerry Group helping manufacturers balance the need for cost-effective solutions with consumer demand for premium , health-conscious products ? Many of the product concepts in our clean label preservation range have been around for over 30 years , so our interest and expertise in clean label solutions isn ’ t new , though our range has grown considerably over the last two decades as well as our market-leading conventional preservation portfolio . As brands are increasingly focused on meeting evolving consumer priorities , we ’ ve seen some return to conventional preservation methods , aligning with the cost-conscious needs of their target consumers . Other brands that once avoided including any ingredients on label and relied solely on process and packagingbased preservation are now facing challenges related to cost , logistics , or sustainability . As a result , they ’ re exploring ingredient-based alternatives . Consumers often seek that “ one-day-fresher ” loaf at the back of the shelf , and we have found that small , practical improvements in shelf life are often more valuable to consumers than drastic changes that might require extended education for consumers to accept them as healthy .
How do you approach reformulating products to extend shelf life while maintaining clean labels and ensuring products meet evolving consumer expectations for natural and minimally processed foods ? Clean label doesn ’ t have and never will have a universally accepted definition , our mindset is that it is around consumer understanding , personal preference , priority values and acceptance – things which will always be subjective , rather than objective . We carry out primary consumer research in multiple countries across all regions to help our customers demystify the evolving consumer landscapes . Through the lens of over 5000 consumers spanning ten countries , we cracked the code on consumer preservation preferences with our Left on the Shelf study . These insights reveal what matters to consumers when it comes to preservatives in their food . Each group brings its own set of expectations to the table , making it clear that one-size-fits-all solutions won ’ t cut it . Our research has revealed a strong consumer interest in transparency in labelling . Kerry has a wide portfolio of solutions that help to keep products fresh and safe . Beyond offering these ingredients , we create value by leveraging our expertise in applications and utilizing predictive models to shorten
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