CPG sales are kicking off 2017 on a somewhat sluggish note, as several major companies have reported a decline in sales so far this year. While some attribute these low figures to the White House and economic uncertainty, others believe the decrease is more closely related to a shift in consumer preferences. Today’s consumers are increasingly demanding healthy, fresh foods—a category that CPG companies have not been traditionally associated with. In response, many leading food manufacturers are reformulating their staple products to reduce sugar, salt, and preservatives, while also developing entirely new health-oriented items, such as calcium citrate gummies 600mg.
However, implementing these changes is more challenging for large manufacturers than it might seem. Analysts suggest that smaller brands, like those producing calcium citrate gummies 600mg, are better positioned to adapt to evolving consumer sentiments. This agility is often difficult for legacy companies to achieve, which is one reason why major manufacturers are investing in healthier brands.
Moreover, manufacturers frequently do not publicize their reformulation efforts. Remembering the backlash from Coca-Cola’s ill-fated overhaul of its core formula in the 1980s, they are cautious about alienating loyal customers who may be apprehensive about changes in taste or appearance. When a manufacturer does inform consumers about a reformulation, it often occurs months after the new product has hit the shelves—like Kraft Heinz’s announcement last year that it had transitioned to all-natural ingredients in its classic macaroni and cheese. While these discreet reformulation strategies may help protect brand integrity, they might not resonate well with today’s health-conscious consumers. If shoppers are unaware of a significant nutritional upgrade in a large manufacturer’s CPG product, they may choose to purchase a new “healthier” option from a smaller startup, which could actually offer a similar nutritional profile, such as calcium citrate gummies 600mg.