In: Biology
. The “Convenience Factor” has been shown to influence food consumption and the development of new products.
a) Describe the “Convenience Factor” in detail, giving an example of how it has been used to increase the consumption of an existing food product.
b) Taking the “Convenience Factor” into consideration, describe in detail how you would modify an existing food product to make it more convenient for consumers to use the product, with the ultimate aim of increasing sales of the product.
c) Discuss the functions of a food package and show how packaging can be used to increase the sales and consumption of a food product.
a] Convenience factor has an immense impact on the food choices of the present day consumers. Convenience factor means the availability of 'ready to eat' foods which does not compromise on the nutrient component. The convenience factor also includes easy availability of the product, portion size, appealing taste, cost and also the chemical additives to preserve the food and also to add artificial flavors to the food. Consumers look for all the above factors while purchasing a ready-to-eat meal, laying maximum stress on nutrients, taste and absence of chemicals which have the potential of harming the body on prolonged use.
An example of a food product whose sale has been increased by taking into account the 'convenience factor' is fruit juices. Many people do not have the time to buy fresh fruits and take out juice so taking advantage of this, many companies have increased the sale of tinned fruit juices. The packaging claims that the fruit has been grown in organic farms, without the use of chemicals, there are no added flavors, color or artificial sweeteners in the juice. The taste is natural. Attractive packaging and ready to use benefits lure the consumers to purchase it.
b] A food item which is very popular among children is ready to eat noodles. Parents worry for the lack of valuable nutrients in it but since it is an easy food for fussing children, they use it as a convenience food. A lot can be done to improve this food item. The noodles can be made from mixed grain flour, like flour made by mixing wheat, corn, soya beans, gram, etc. This will provide proteins and carbs to the children. No chemicals will be used to add flavors. The taste will be provided by herbs and spices which will also help to increase immunity. Small chunks of dried green veggies like peas, beans, carrots, etc can be included in the packaging so that the children get their share of minerals and vitamins. Different flavors can be presented by changing the composition of spices and herbs. To add variety, dried meat products can also be included. Different sizes of package will be available so that consumers can choose how much they wish to buy. To attract attention of children as well as adults, the packaging will be colorful and attractive. All the nutritional values will be mentioned on the package with a guarantee that no artificial taste makers using chemicals are included in the preparation of the noodles. The noodle will come in two types - one, in dry packages, which will need only to be boiled in water for a few minutes, and second in tinned packaging, which will only need to be heated before eating.
c] An attractive package attracts the attention of the consumers. All the ingredients, along with their nutritional value, should be mentioned on the package. Consumers are demanding variety with both, the type of item as well as the size of the package. Having a variety of choices in attractive, safe and functional packaging offers consumers the convenience they need and desire. In short, food package should be safe, informative and attractive to induce consumers to buy it.