You may have heard about people snacking a lot more during the lockdowns for COVID-19 last year. As people spent more time at home, the snacking industry received a boost from the pandemic. Aside from comfort junk food, healthier products also became a preferred option once the restrictions eased. Consumers are more conscious of their food intake today due to the increase in purchasing power and campaigns against poor nutrition. Yogurt is seen as a low-calorie and low-fat alternative to other kinds of snacks.
For local producers, it is vital to start investing in equipment that can optimize production by improving efficiency. An example of innovative equipment that can speed up the process is the incorporation of a tabletop filling machine along the production line. By doing so, hygienic preparation can also be observed, and you will not have to worry about the quality of the yogurt you purchase from local businesses.
Apart from investing in new technologies in manufacturing, homegrown producers could also develop innovations that are in line with growing trends in the yogurt industry. There is plenty of room for market disruption from incorporating locally produced fruits to creating new kinds of yogurt, especially when new equipment is involved in the production line.
Native Fruits
Consumers could be exposed to novel gastronomic experiences by creating flavors from native or unused fruits. When local producers deviate from the typical flavors, you have the opportunity to try out different tastes to expand your palette. It can also be a lighter and cheaper approach to becoming acquainted with a fruit that you are not very familiar with. This is one way that children can also start to identify their preferences when it comes to various flavors of a healthy product.
Furthermore, when local fruits are used in production, businesses are able to cut down the cost of their raw materials because they will be sourced at a closer location to the production plant. As a result, the final product can be cheaper compared to its competitors. Therefore, homegrown companies will be able to sell their yogurt at a much cheaper rate, encouraging the development of local businesses. If you have more companies within your vicinity, the chances are that they are paying taxes to stay in the area. When used morally, this extra income for the government could lead to an increase in the number of social programs that you can benefit from.
Lower and Natural Sugar Content
Some governments have levied on goods with high sugar content. Along with consumer trends toward healthier eating, companies are motivated to cut down on added sugar by replacing it with ingredients that have natural sugar content. Homegrown producers can make use of locally-sourced sweeteners such as honey or agave to entice consumers toward their healthier version of a common snack. In this way, consumers can have a wider variety of yogurts to choose from. It can also encourage some competition among producers for cheaper and healthier food options.
Dairy-free Innovations
Environmentalists and individuals who are lactose intolerant appreciate dairy-free options among commonly consumed dairy products. While there are alternatives to dairy milk, it follows that there are alternatives to animal milk as the base for yogurt. Manufacturers can experiment with non-animal sourced milk, possibly partnering with other local producers in the area. It could be a platform for research and development as an option in value-adding production to reduce milk waste.
Some prevalent examples of non-dairy yogurt are those produced from soy milk or coconut milk. Once it is paired with yogurt culture and processed with the right techniques for safety and quality assurance, you will have the option of consuming alternatives to the usual yogurt produced from animal milk. This can be a unique selling point for local producers while empowering their economy with a resilient and well-connected supply chain. By ensuring that there is a processed end-product to the unconventional, specialty milk, producers will extend their uses and use by date.
Final Thoughts
Through continuous innovation, yogurt manufacturers can benefit by evolving their processes according to the technology that is available to them as well as by including prevailing trends determined by consumer habits. It may be competitive to gain some momentum on supermarket shelves, but starting in small batches can lead to more varieties within the market. Consumers are usually looking for something new, and there is another trend in support of local businesses. So check out a nearby farmers’ market for new flavors to support homegrown artisanal yogurt manufacturers.
