JUNE 20248IN MY OPINIONDo you know what your kids or grandkids will prefer to eat when older? As a mom, I usually have a strong influence on what my son is eating. Eventually he will make his own choices, and his choices are partially influenced by what we teach at home, but there are lots of external factors that modulates the choices he is going to make today and into the future. Yes, I am talking about, marketing campaigns, social media, movies, TV, teachers, doctors, friends, etc. He is growing in a new world, with information overload and very different perspectives on what's good for him. As early as 4 years old, my son was already talking about taking care of the environment, about being nice to animals and how he knew apples are more nutritious than cake because high fiber foods are better than sugary ones. The new generations are growing with conscious minds, they want purpose on what they do and a nice story behind what they eat, that is one of the reasons why alternative proteins are here to stay. New generations are already playing an important role as decision makers in modern society, and food companies need to look at their needs to innovate and be prepared for the new economic boom coming from younger consumers. Gen Y and Z together, will influence how food is consumed more than any other population group in history. The workforce today is younger & they are demanding food products that are delicious, nutritious, and better for the planet. Additionally, new consumers like flexibility & diversity in the products they eat and drink. That trend has put pressure on how the food industry innovates, how it uses new ingredients, new technologies and new product formats. Ten years ago, if you went to the store to buy milk you had only a few options; whole milk, skim milk and defatted milk, maybe soymilk. Today, you have 10X more choices from milk-type products from almonds, oats, peas, cashews, coconuts, hazelnuts, chickpeas, flax, macadamia, rice, plant protein blends & emerging fermented technologies; many of them in organic, non-GMO, allergen free & local versions. Diversity is an important driver of choice with the modern consumer, and alternative BY DINA FERNANDEZ, GLOBAL R&D DIRECTOR ­ PROTEIN NUTRITION SOLUTION, ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND (ADM)ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS, ENABLING PURPOSEFUL EATING FOR NEW GENERATIONS DINA FERNANDEZ
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