The global food and beverage market is experiencing significant changes in 2025, driven by tariff-related cost pressures and shifting consumer preferences. Dollar sales are projected to grow 2%-4%, with price/product mix expected to increase 1.5%-3.5% due to modest base price inflation and consumer demand for value. Volume sales, however, are forecasted at 0%-1%, reflecting changes in consumer channel preferences as shoppers prioritize convenience, affordability, and product availability. As a result, brands must adapt their strategies to meet these evolving demands.
Understanding Regional Variations in Brand Perception
Regional preferences play a significant role in shaping consumer behavior, with brand “over-indexing” varying by region. The Harris Poll’s QuestBrand tool has analyzed brand equity data to identify top-valued food and beverage brands regionally, based on consumer over-index data from January to June 2024. This data highlights that local value perceptions are influenced by brand, product category, and consumer trust. For instance, a brand may excel in one region due to its commitment to sustainability, while in another region, product quality may be the primary driver of consumer loyalty. You can explore more on this topic by visiting EU Tariffs on US Food and Beverages.
Consumer Priorities: Quality and Transparency
In 2025, consumers are prioritizing high-quality ingredients and product quality when making purchasing decisions, a trend amplified by inflation and climate change impacts. According to Innova Global Insights, 58% of global consumers consider these factors crucial. The top 2025 F&B trend, “Ingredients and Beyond,” emphasizes freshness, nutrition, and clear ingredient sourcing. Lu Ann Williams, Innova Global Insights Director, notes that companies must enhance the quality attributes of their ingredients to captivate consumers. As consumers become more discerning, brands that prioritize transparency and quality are likely to gain a competitive edge. For those interested in exploring healthy food options, check out Healthy Staple Foods in APAC.
Shifting Consumer Expectations
Consumer expectations are evolving, with half of U.S. consumers expecting brands to maintain or expand value menu offerings. In the past year, 51% have purchased new value menu products, indicating a growing demand for affordable, high-quality options. Personalized loyalty programs and exclusive discounts are also critical, with 69% of consumers valuing these over generic price cuts. Furthermore, price transparency is becoming non-negotiable, as over half of consumers push back against surcharges like credit card fees or kitchen appreciation fees. To stay competitive, brands must adapt to these changing expectations. Submitting your favorite local dessert shop to our Business Directory can help increase its visibility.
Leveraging Technology to Track Consumer Sentiment
Food and beverage brands are increasingly adopting real-time consumer insights tools, such as QuestBrand, to monitor shifts in consumer sentiment, price sensitivity, and value perception. Digital ordering, automation, and self-service are also essential for meeting convenience demands. According to Square’s Future of Restaurants report (2025), 74% of diners welcome automation to fill operational gaps, while 59% abandon brands with complicated digital experiences. By leveraging these technologies, brands can stay ahead of the curve and respond to consumer needs effectively. For those looking to understand the impact of economic uncertainty on snacking trends, visit Snacking Trends During Economic Uncertainty.
Best Practices for Navigating Price and Value
To navigate price and value amid market volatility, brands should focus on enhancing communication of added product benefits, such as nutrition, sustainability, and local sourcing, to justify pricing. Regularly updating value-focused offers and loyalty incentives can also reinforce perceived value. Monitoring regional and demographic differences using brand tracking platforms can help refine pricing strategies and messaging. By prioritizing ingredient quality and transparency, brands can build trust with consumers and drive loyalty. For insights on private label brands, explore Private Label Brands Dominating Markets. If you’re a food brand looking to share your dessert recipe, consider submitting it to our site through Submit Your Dessert Recipe.
