By trying new things and reaching out to new demographics, brands can find their consumer niche while keeping the door open to all with classic, timeless offerings. When a consumer remembers the experience of eating a certain product, that creates repeat purchases.
“The biggest competition for everyone in hospitality is experience,” said Lasheeda Perry, pastry chef and owner of Queen of Flavor, LLC. “It’s not just about the food anymore; putting the plate in front of someone is just not enough these days. Everyone wants to be wowed, and being wowed looks different to everyone. When you can wow them with unique flavor combinations, that’s backflip storytelling. That’s an experience of its own, because that’s hard to repeat.”
Affordability is acting as a catalyst for purchases as consumers spend less and want more. The meaning of value has shifted, allowing brands to redefine the concept and center their products in the sweet spot. New flavors, limited-edition crossovers and seasonal surprises can build traction and stabilize loyalty while offering consumers the “best bang for their buck.”
“Keep your products approachable but fun,” Perry said. “Consumers are balancing budget and indulgence. Anytime you have a new flavor in your portfolio, it automatically increases your sales.”
To keep prices low, manufacturers can take advantage of multi-active ingredients, or those that can be used for multiple purposes. These ingredients maintain a shortened label and can be used to deliver both taste and function at a fraction of the cost.
“How do you formulate a product with only seven ingredients that delivers both better-for-you qualities and great taste?” Eliyahu said. “The only way to do that is to use multi‑active ingredients, ones that do two, three, even four jobs at once.”
Purse strings are still tightening, and consumers are getting pickier and pickier. The brands that will catch the scrutinous eye are those that turn every product into a memorable experience, focusing on every sense to deliver an all-encompassing product that’s worth every tightly clenched dollar.
