In an era where health-consciousness is shaping consumer behaviour, the demand for nutritious snacks, particularly nuts, has seen a remarkable rise. Yashvardhan Goel, Managing Director of NFP Sampoorna Foods, shares his insights into the driving forces behind this trend and how the industry is adapting to evolving consumer preferences, production challenges, and sustainability efforts.
Q1: What are some of the key drivers behind the rising demand for healthy snacks like nuts in the Indian market, and how has this trend evolved over the last few years?
Yashvardhan Goel: The demand for healthy snacks, especially nuts, has surged in India due to several factors. Firstly, there's a growing awareness about health and wellness, with people seeking nutritious alternatives. Urbanisation and lifestyle changes have also played a major role, as busier lives demand convenient, healthy snacks. Fitness trends and dietary shifts, particularly towards plant-based and high-protein foods, have further fueled this demand.
Over the years, we’ve seen the market expand significantly. There’s a wide range of nut products available now, from flavoured and roasted varieties to organic options. Increased accessibility through supermarkets and online platforms has made it easier for consumers to incorporate nuts into their diets. Additionally, consumer education through marketing campaigns has helped highlight the health benefits of nuts, encouraging greater consumption. Premiumization has also occurred, with more people willing to pay for higher-quality, organic products.
Q2: Scaling production to meet increasing demand is a challenge for many businesses in the food industry. How does investment in new facilities support operational scalability and efficiency?
Yashvardhan Goel: Investing in new facilities plays a crucial role in scaling production. It allows us to increase our production capacity without compromising on quality. With modern equipment, we can streamline processes, minimise waste, and boost production speeds. Specialised facilities also enable us to focus on specific product lines, optimising workflows and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
Additionally, new facilities help improve supply chain management, ensuring better handling of raw materials and finished products. With the inclusion of energy-efficient designs, these facilities not only enhance operational efficiency but also support our sustainability goals.
Q3: Given the food sector’s focus on sustainability, how are companies balancing production demands with the need for environmentally responsible practices?
Yashvardhan Goel: Sustainability has become a key focus for companies in the food sector. At NFP Sampoorna Foods, we prioritise sustainable sourcing by using locally grown ingredients. We also implement waste reduction practices, such as donating surplus food or repurposing by-products.
Our packaging is moving towards more sustainable options, such as biodegradable and recyclable materials, to minimise environmental impact. These efforts, combined with consumer education around sustainability, help us balance production with our responsibility to the environment.
Q4: With health-conscious consumers prioritising transparency and authenticity, how does the food industry ensure that quality and trust are upheld in mass production?
Yashvardhan Goel: Transparency and trust are crucial in today’s health-conscious market. Companies adhere to strict certification standards, which reassure consumers about the quality of our products. Ingredient transparency is key—detailed labelling allows consumers to make informed choices. Additionally, rigorous quality control processes ensure that we maintain consistent product safety and quality throughout mass production.
Engaging with consumers through social media and other platforms also helps build trust. By sharing information about our production methods and sustainability efforts, we foster a sense of community and authenticity.
Q5: What consumer trends are you seeing emerge in the healthy snacking segment, and how are food companies adapting to these shifts?
Yashvardhan Goel: Some of the key trends we’re seeing include a rise in demand for plant-based snacks, functional foods with added health benefits like protein or probiotics, and snacks with clean, minimal ingredients. Consumers are also increasingly seeking eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing.
To meet these demands, Various companies have introduced plant-based nut bars and snacks with enhanced nutritional profiles. Various companies have also simplified formulations, focusing on natural ingredients, and adopted sustainable packaging options. Convenience is another factor, and on-the-go snacks cater to busy consumers.
Q6: How does the diversification of distribution channels play a role in expanding market reach, particularly for the healthy snacking segment?
Yashvardhan Goel: Diversifying distribution channels is essential for reaching a broader audience. By selling through supermarkets, online platforms, health food stores, and even vending machines, Companies ensure that their products are accessible to a wide range of consumers. This allows companies to target different demographics, from younger online shoppers to older consumers who prefer in-store purchases.
It also enhances brand visibility, as consumers are more likely to recognize and engage with a brand they see in multiple locations. Diversified channels give us the flexibility to adapt to market trends and ensure that our products are always within reach.
Q7: As the healthy snacking market becomes more competitive, how are brands differentiating themselves in terms of product offerings and consumer engagement?
Yashvardhan Goel: In a competitive market, innovation is key. We’re experimenting with unique ingredients like superfoods, one of such examples is fox nuts , which has shown an incredible rise in demand for SAMPOORNA MAKHANA (FOX NUTS ) . Flavour innovation also sets us apart—offering bold, new tastes that appeal to adventurous consumers. Transparency about ingredient sourcing and health benefits is another way we differentiate ourselves, as consumers increasingly demand to know what’s in their food.
Engaging with our community through social media, educational content, and user-generated campaigns helps foster loyalty.
Q8: Looking ahead, what are some of the long-term goals for companies in the healthy snacking sector, particularly regarding market expansion and sustainability initiatives?
Yashvardhan Goel: In terms of market expansion, we’re looking to expand production to achieve the rising demands. We’re also exploring strategic partnerships to enhance brand visibility and credibility in different geographical areas.
On the sustainability front, we’re committed to sustainable sourcing, eco-friendly packaging. Waste reduction and transparency in reporting are also high on our agenda as we strive to meet the expectations of eco-conscious consumers and contribute positively to the environment
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