It’s been happening for years, and it’s not going away. As candy manufacturers cope with rising prices for ingredients, consumers cope with the idea that life’s little luxuries are simply coming in smaller bites. According to a report in the Telegraph
there may come a time when consumers strike back. They quote Jeff Alder with the National Consumer Council, saying that, “companies’ reputations could suffer,” and that “Even in a credit crunch, most customers are savvy enough to see these tactics as underhand.” The story lists several products that are cutting, including the number of Rolos in a package going down from 11 in a tube to 10.
The true innovation may come from a reaction to the costs – keeping in mind that cocoa futures are at their highest point in over 20 years. Food Industry & Consumer Trends reports that it is “essential for confectionery makers to develop strategies to absorb the prices.” Keep your eye on a link up between Mars, the US government and IBM in a five-year project to find solutions that may improve the cocoa supply chain, relieve shortages, and potentially produce better chocolate.
For more innovations and insights, check out CultureWaves. And, take a look at a few of our other Hot & Cool Trends from CultureWavesâ„¢.
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Image credit to the Telegraph.
