The clean label movement is becoming increasingly important in the food industry. It aims to produce and label food without artificial additives, preservatives and other undesirable ingredients. This movement is driven by growing consumer demand for transparency and naturalness in food production. For companies in the food industry, this means that they need to adapt and rethink their product formulas to meet these demands.
Consumer expectations and market trends
Today's consumers are more informed and demanding than ever before. They demand natural, authentic and easy-to-understand ingredient lists. These expectations have led to several market trends:
- Transparency: consumers want to know where their food comes from and how it is produced.
- Naturalness: There is an increasing emphasis on natural ingredients. Cleanliness: Products should be free from artificial additives and preservatives.
- Sustainability: Sustainable and environmentally friendly production methods are more in demand than ever.
Wolfgang Walk, food technologist at The Ingredients Experts, emphasises:
‘The pressure on manufacturers to offer transparent and clean labels is greater today than ever before. Companies that do not fulfil these expectations risk losing market share.’
Challenges in the implementation of Clean Label
Implementing the clean label philosophy presents manufacturers with several challenges. These include adapting recipes, ensuring shelf life and guaranteeing the sensory quality of products. It is crucial that companies take a strategic approach and find innovative solutions to overcome these challenges.
Customisation of recipes
The removal of artificial additives and preservatives often requires a complete overhaul of existing recipes. This can be time-consuming and costly. Companies need to find new, natural alternatives that offer the same functionality as the traditional ingredients.
Ensuring shelf life
Without artificial preservatives, the shelf life of a product can be significantly reduced. Innovative solutions are needed to extend shelf life using natural methods. This can include the use of natural antioxidants, fermentation processes or special packaging techniques.
Ensuring sensory quality
Another key criterion is the sensory quality of the end product. The flavour, texture and appearance must not be affected by the switch to clean label. Extensive tests and adjustments are necessary here to ensure that the products meet consumer expectations.
Advantages of clean labelling for companies
Despite the challenges, the implementation of clean labelling offers numerous benefits for companies in the food industry. These include:
- Consumer confidence: Clean labelled products are perceived as trustworthy and high quality.
- Brand image: A strong commitment to clean labelling can have a positive impact on the brand image and strengthen customer loyalty.
Competitive advantage: Companies that are early adopters of clean labelling can set themselves apart from the competition and tap into new market segments. Wolfgang Walk explains:
‘Clean labelling is not just a trend, but a fundamental change in the food industry. Companies that actively shape this change can benefit in the long term.’
Practical tips for the implementation of Clean Label
The following practical tips can be helpful for successful implementation of the clean label strategy:
- Ingredient analysis: check all ingredients and identify potentially problematic ingredients
- Look for alternatives: Find natural alternatives for artificial additives and preservatives.
- Transparent communication: Inform your customers clearly and comprehensibly about the changes and benefits of your clean label products.
- Test and optimise: Carry out extensive tests to ensure your products have the desired sensory properties and the necessary shelf life.
Case studies and success stories
Many companies have already successfully implemented clean-label strategies and achieved considerable benefits as a result. One prominent example is the manufacturer of snacks and ready meals, which has switched its entire product line to natural ingredients. Through this measure, the company was not only able to strengthen consumer confidence, but also significantly increase sales.
Future prospects for clean label
The clean label movement is far more than just a passing trend. It represents a fundamental shift in the food industry towards greater transparency, naturalness and sustainability. Companies that recognise and implement this change at an early stage will be able to position themselves successfully on the market in the long term.
Innovations and new technologies
The ongoing development of new technologies and innovative solutions will enable companies to better meet the challenges of clean labelling. This includes, for example, the development of new natural preservatives or the use of state-of-the-art packaging techniques.
Regulatory requirements
With the increasing importance of clean labelling, regulatory requirements are also becoming stricter. Companies must ensure that they comply with all legal requirements and label their products correctly.
Collaboration within the industry
Close co-operation along the entire supply chain is crucial to achieving the goals of Clean Label. This includes dialogue with suppliers, the joint development of new solutions and the exchange of best practices.
Conclusion
Clean labelling is an important movement in the food industry, driven by increasing consumer demand for transparency, naturalness and sustainability. Although there are challenges associated with implementing clean labelling, it offers companies numerous benefits, including improved consumer confidence, a positive brand image and a competitive advantage. Through a strategic approach, innovative solutions and close collaboration, companies can overcome these challenges and achieve long-term success.
Wolfgang Walk then summarises:
‘The future belongs to those companies that are prepared to face the challenges of clean labelling and adapt their processes accordingly.'
