What do Millennials think about food?

OVER 50% of the world population is under 30, a large demographic that also includes the Millennials, ranging between the ages 18-33. Needless to say, Millennials bring with them a positive dynamism that stems from their willingness to make a difference.

Even the food and beverage industry must keep pace with the demand of Millennials, agreed professionals during a panel at the Institute of Food Technologists’ IFT 2014 Annual Meeting & Food Expo?.  Millennials are characterised not only as food- and digital-savvy, but opinionated.

“They’re socially and environmentally conscious, making purchases that feel good to them and are good for the environment,” said Heidi Curry, senior manager baker, Global Research and Development with Dunkin’ Brands.

“Ninety-five percent of Millennials make purchasing decisions based on whether a product comes from a socially responsible company, for example, products that are Certified Rain Forest Alliance approved,” according to Christian Hallowell, executive chef for Delta Airlines. For Millennials, also known as Generation Y, transparency is important, he added.

“They also want good taste and they want something to differentiate their experience from their friends,” said Dominique Vitry, director of Supply Quality Assurance, Pizza Hut.

“To do that, they want fun flavours and want to take part in creating their own products,” added Ms Curry. And they’re opinionated, posting their opinions of a product or a restaurant online with Twitter, Yelp and Facebook. This is how Millennials exercise their power and influence the market.

Companies like Pizza Hut, Delta Airlines, and Dunkin’ Brands hire Millennials to gain valuable insights as to their generation’s likes and dislikes and to keep pace with the changing market.adidas