Page 75 - 150

SPECIAL REPORT

Keeping Things Natural
Overall, Thai consumers are undoubtedly on the right track to living
healthier lifestyles, but what exactly does a healthy meal mean to
them today? The research highlights that two-thirds (67%) of metro
Thai consumers describe ‘healthy food’ as all natural ingredients,
61% as low fat, 56% organic, 55% low in calorie, and 54% describe
‘healthy food’ as being low in sugar. What’s more, more than half
(53%) of metro Thais are avoiding saturated fats, while 43% are
avoiding refined sugar and a third are avoiding salt (33%) and red
meat (33%), respectively.
At the same time, it appears that companies in both the food
and drink and beauty and personal care industries are aware of
consumers’ preference for all things natural. According to the
database , 41% of food, drink, beauty and personal care products To appeal to Thai consumers who are starting to adopt better
2
launched in Thailand in 2017 featured a ‘natural’ claim, up from 34% lifestyle habits, more companies should offer food, drink, beauty and
in 2010. personal care products that are made with natural formulations, seeing
as there is demand in the market. In addition, consumers preference
Opening up to Plant-based Offerings for natural, simple and flexible diets will drive further expansion of
Finally, Thai consumers are gradually warming up to the idea of plant-based alternatives especially as they are finding them just as
plant-based food and drink offerings, finding them just as nutritious nutritious and tasty as animal-based food and drink products.
and tasty as meat-based options. As many as three in four (76%)
metro Thai consumers agree that plant protein (eg legumes, nuts)
is just as nutritious as animal protein (eg meat, eggs), while more ข้อมูลเพิ่มเติม / Additional Information
than half (55%) agree that plant protein tastes better than animal 1 1,500 internet users aged 16+ living in the metropolitan areas of Thailand, May 2018
protein. (The research from Mintel)
2 Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD)

SEP 2018 FOOD FOCUS THAILAND 73