Home cooking boosts demand for seasonings, condiments in US

Interest in packaged sauces, dressings, and condiments has been rising in the United States (US), a big boost in retail as eating occasions of consumers, especially millennials, move into their homes amid the coronavirus and the restrictions.

The Euromonitor Digest said emerging and premium brands are still positioned for growth over the next few years with their expected renewed focus on innovative products as restrictions are lifted.

“When it comes to sauces, dressings, and condiments, consumers increasingly want to experiment with new products that can add flavor and excitement to their meals. The millennials are key drivers behind this trend, with younger generations placing a greater focus on experiences. Also, with a looming economic recession, pricing will remain an important consideration for many shoppers,” said the monthly online publication of the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB).

The report said consumers may be willing to spend the extra money for a better product especially if they feel that they are saving money by not ordering foodservice.

“These contrasting demands could create space for the further expansion of private labels, with producers often able to deliver premium products but at more competitive prices than the equivalent branded options,” it added.

The Euromonitor Digest said private labels have also seen dynamic growth in 2020 due to the economic downturn, with its competitively priced pasta sauces attracting the interest of price-conscious households.

Moreover, the report said the shift in shopping behavior towards e-commerce could become permanent as many consumers have turned to e-commerce as a convenient way to stock up on groceries.

“Innovations on the part of the retailers to make online grocery shopping even more convenient will serve to boost e-commerce further over the forecast period,” it said.

It said the demand for convenience was a key growth driver within packaged food.

“As consumers will increasingly have busy lives, manufacturers had to make their products be more portable and should help consumers save time while still providing a good taste,” it added.

The Euromonitor Digest said the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) saw many consumers being forced to work from home, allowing more time to prepare and eat meals.

“However, once Covid-19 is contained and people begin heading back to the office and school, time-saving will likely regain its importance and consumers will again start seeking out ways to minimize the time spent on preparing meals. As such, shoppers will likely look into sauces, dressings, and condiments for support in creating quick, easy,

and tasty meals,” it said.

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