New food products appear as a consequence of consumer demand. What exactly does consumer demand mean?
Food habits are influenced by a number of factors such as the aging of the European population, the decrease in job security and the reduction in family size. Choice of food has evolved: products are more diverse, branded, packaged, labeled with information; consumer outlets are more widespread and, finally, food technology has improved. All this changes consumers’ food habits and therefore demand. Consumers expect nutritional value, pleasure in eating, confidence in their food and low prices. In addition they wish for more information to help make their choices.
