dsm-firmenich leveraging technology and innovation foresight to bring progress to women’s health and wellness.
As the world continues to make strides towards gender equality and women empowerment, the voice of women is becoming a lot more prominent, both in society and in business. Women are influential, not only with their voices but also with their wallets and this makes them a strong consumer group that should be taken with great consideration. A big trend being driven by women and presenting an opportunity to food and beverage manufacturers is that of health and wellness. There is a growing market demand for health-conscious products tailored to women’s needs. The rise of health and wellness is driven by many reasons, consumers are choosing to put a higher value on their health, wanting to live better for longer and women have unique nutritional needs that change throughout different stages of life.
Embracing female wellness trends
Of course, health and wellness means different things to different people, this is the same even amongst female consumers. Brands need to consider these needs and create bespoke products for women. Healthy eating that looks at functional food products that boost immunity or support specific lifestyles are just some of the examples, nutrition and permissible indulgent products that support brain health, mood and better sleep are some of the opportunities this trend is opening for brands. The choices women are making are not only for themselves but their entire families. True to form as nurturers, women are looking to food and beverages manufacturers for products that speak to their family needs of holistic health and wellness. Innovating in this area can meet consumer demand and drive business growth. Predicting these needs and innovating towards them can be tricky, this is why dsm-firmenich conducts over 2000 surveys to AI-generated insights, to discover how they can anticipate and fulfil evolving needs of consumers to support their customers.
Strategic approach to innovation in health and wellness
Always at the forefront of innovation dsm-firmenich under their Taste, Texture and Health Business Unit is well positioned to help brands leverage the growth. With a broad portfolio of ingredients, flavours, and technologies including one of the largest natural flavours library in the industry, next-generation sugar reduction technologies and sweet taste optimisation, they are leading the industry in calorie removal from consumer diets, while keeping optimum taste; not forgetting the cultures, enzymes, vitamins, hydrocolloids, nutritional premixes and so much more. Understanding the woman consumer who is always looking to enhance the nutrition they provide not just for themselves but their entire family, dsm-firmenich has a strong focus on fibers, vitamins & minerals and extracts to improve nutrition and add ingredients that help consumers boost immunity, sustain their wellbeing and improve microbiomes. They combine their broad portfolio with boundless creativity to create something truly special.
The business is supported by over 2000 scientists and R&D facilities on four continents, working to deliver a mouthwatering array of products and ingredients, from flavours and tonalities to nutritional lipids and micronutrients. They excel in customisation, localisation, and regionalisation, leveraging their extensive local presence. This capability, bolstered by comprehensive consumer insights and nutritional expertise, perfectly aligns with their commitment to tailoring solutions to match customers’ distinctive taste, texture, and health preferences within their specific local contexts.
In a country like South Africa where many homes are single woman led, naturally the shopper also being mom; innovating food and beverages with women’s health in mind is not only beneficial for individual well-being but also has positive implications for families, communities, and society at large. It addresses specific health needs, supports preventive care, and meets the growing market demand, making it a worthwhile focus for innovation. This can also align with sustainable practices, such as using plant-based ingredients, which can benefit both individual health and the environment while pulling hard on the heart strings of younger female consumers (Gen Z’s).
With a massive portfolio of solutions dsm-firmenich is well positioned to helping you create healthier, great-tasting, food & beverages with more natural and sustainable ingredients to enhance wellbeing for people and the planet.
