Food Ingredients are the quintessential part of any food product. They are the substance used in the food manufacturing process to achieve the desired effect and to carry out other functions within the product such as taste, flavor enhancement, storage value, and more. For instance, sugar provides bulkiness and taste to the product, and salt can reduce moisture build-up and push up the product’s shelf life.
There is a reason for separating the wheat from the chaff. Ingredients play a major role in the difference between products customers love and hate. But it’s hard to find the right ingredients sometimes.
Sourcing ingredients can be achieved by following the right strategy and if it is done correctly you can get the perfect ingredient for your product and develop a lasting relationship in your industry.
1. Tap Into The Local Market
Community is said to be the craft movement calling card. Consumers enjoy products that are made in their neck of the woods and they show the same enthusiasm for choosing the ingredients as well.
Locally sourced ingredients is more than just a marketing move. Every community consists of its own ecosystem of foodies and farmers that make their local chain unique. A stroll through a farmer’s local market, or a food co-op, helps you learn more about the ingredients and the producers behind the scenes.
Networking with your community gives you a great source of inspiration. For instance, imagine that you have always wanted to try a product with fresh oranges. Making connections with the local farmer is the primary step to making it happen.
When you create a community-inspired product and spread it to the world you will see more profits in a shorter span of time. Whether it is a note on the menu or a list of suppliers on your website, vendors love a good shoutout and your customers are eager to know you support local suppliers and growers.
2. Look For Peer Recommendations
Craft production can be a social experience. There are groups of passionate artisans behind every bottle and keg. Dedicate some of your time to know fellow producers in your industry.
Industry networking is a springboard for any business to gain opportunities and collaborations with elites every day.
Social media and online forums are enlightening different ways to connect with other aficionados around the world. People enjoy giving suggestions and sharing their knowledge with others. Make use of these platforms as these are an efficient resource for your business.
3. Stay Intentional About Your Labels
Beyond the taste, food ingredients act as a key driver in how a product is marketed and labeled. Whether the product is natural, organic, or non-GMO, these terms can significantly influence the market.
Regardless of the term you use for your products, transparency is the goal. Consumers rely on product labeling so always make sure that your ingredients align with your values.
Regardless of the term you use for your products, transparency is the goal. Consumers rely on product labeling so always make sure that your ingredients align with your values.
4. Use Supplier And Manufacture Food Directories
With the advent of technology, people are going on the internet for every need. It is more comfortable and easier to get the task done. Similarly, purchasing the food ingredients from food directories is a safe and easiest way than traditional buying where you need to pick every ingredient individually from the local store or spend thousands of dollars to attend an expo. Food directories align all the ingredients for you in one place so that you can pick everything you want with no effort.
Excesa is the only major directory where you can find a pool of food ingredients in one place. Now you can concentrate more on the production process and simplifying your tasks.