Research commissioned by Arla Food Ingredients has found that nearly two-thirds of South American consumers would pay more for a food or beverage product that is higher in protein than a similar product.
Researchers from consultancy Lindberg International surveyed 4,000 consumers from Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, asking whether they would be willing to pay more for a higher protein product, and 61% of those surveyed said they would be willing to do so.
Of those surveyed, 39% said they would be willing to pay up to 5% more, 17% said they would pay 10% more, and 5% expressed that they would be willing to pay over 10% more.
Consumers in Colombia were most willing, with 73% of respondents claiming that they would pay more, compared to 60% in Brazil and 54% in Argentina.
The study was commissioned as Arla wanted to determine the demand for high-protein products in one of its key markets, as it seeks to grow its presence in the region.
Anne Hoest Stenbaek, senior global marketing manager at Arla Foods Ingredients said: “South America has grown to become an important market for protein suppliers in recent years.
“Consumers in the region have good awareness and knowledge of protein and appreciate its benefits to their health.
“To serve these countries better, we are delighted to launch our new Spanish website, which will make it easier for us to deliver information to food and beverage manufacturers across the region.”
Arla strengthened its position in the region earlier this year with the acquisition of SanCor’s 50% stake in Arla Foods Ingredients S.A (AFISA), one of the leading producers of whey-based products in South America.
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