Emergency food is an untapped opportunity

23-Mar-2022 - Germany

COVID-19 has revealed consumers’ vulnerability toward disaster preparation, such as widespread food shortages and panic buying. The lesson from this pandemic is to stock up with necessary food and drink, and be prepared for the unexpected.

Mintel data shows that 82% of Chinese consumers* say that following their experience with COVID-19, they will be prepared for emergencies in the future; while 65% of US households do not have adequate plans and supplies for a disaster, as well as 54% of Japanese consumers prepare emergency food in case of a disaster.

Obviously, emergency food is a relatively untapped area with growth potential, as illustrated by demand for such foods in the recent pandemic, the increasing incidence of natural disasters and the related supply chain issues. Taking advantage of this opportunity to attract consumers, food brands should educate about the need for emergency rations and promote products that provide long-life, easy-to-store essentials.

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Nutrition is essential

Products that provide nutrients that are often lacking during emergencies can support the health of consumers. Also, specially prepared foods for specific demographics are important, as they can be even more difficult to secure.

Survival Foods Supplements for an Emergency is developed to efficiently balance nutrients that are unbalanced in an emergency situation (Japan).

A cracker that melts easily and gently in the mouth. As a stockpile food for teething children and the elderly. Contains rice-derived vegetable lactic acid bacteria K2 and calcium.(Japan)

Offer convenient solutions

As utilities may be cut off in emergencies, products that don’t require cooking, come with disposable cutlery, come in self-heating packages, or are designed to prevent direct contact with food become important.

One-meal packs are now available in a box type for easy portability. The harmony of beef and vegetable flavor and spicy curry is irresistible. Emergency rations are not something special, but ordinary tasty meals.(Japan)

Long shelf life

Emergency rations need to be shelf-stable as to be stockpiled at any place and to be ready when refrigerators and freezers are unavailable. To avoid taking up space and be portable when needed, it is better for such products to be light and unbulky.

Emergency supply of breakfast, lunch & dinner for 1 person, for 72 hours. This stackable, easy-to-store kit contains 18 servings of Mountain House meals, approx.

https://www.yumda.com/en/news/1175318/emergency-food-is-an-untapped-opportunity.html