Italian consumers are increasingly seeking food with less fat or salt, GMO-free produce, organic foods and local produce, according to market research group GfK.
A survey showed that 49% of Italians favour food that is free from or low in sugar, that is made without GMOs, or with locally-sourced ingredients.
Also popular are foods with a low fat content (44%), and products made with organic ingredients (42%), while one in three Italians say that they opt for food that is low in salt, or that is enhanced with vitamins and minerals.
Compared to other countries, the Italians are the most sensitive on the issue of sourcing ingredients locally.
In terms of demographics, shoppers over the age of 60 place most importance on products that are low in salt and fat; consumers in their twenties favour organic and locally produced food; and those in the 30-39 age bracket look for gluten-free products, or foods that contain probiotics.
Global Preferences
GfK's survey was conducted across 17 countries, with more than 23,000 participants.
Internationally, most people said they prefer low-sugar or sugar-free foods and those without genetically modified ingredients (both with 48%).
In third place are the products with low salt (45%), followed by products made with organic ingredients, those low in fat, and those enriched with vitamins or minerals.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
