10/27/2016
A few ideas I would like to share based on a Webinar I participated in today. Speaker was
Gail Rampersaud MS RDN LDN Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Science, University of Florida
These ideas are not in any particular order and they are based on my interpretation of what was shared today. I did however want to give credit to the source. Full presentation will be on the RDBA website in one week.
Millennials.........
· Need ideas on quick easy and healthful meals including breakfast
· Basic food skills will be well received by this group – think of things such as knife skills or simply how to prepare eggs
· Like to try new things – so focus on giving them new and different breakfast options
· Gave a desire for customization of foods – so focus on how to add things to a basic recipe or swap things
· May eat breakfast at times different from traditional breakfast times and there is no evidence to suggest that this is detrimental to health
· Are aware of current food trends – so focus on sharing what you know about ancient grains, exotic foods, ethnic and international flavours
· Want to know what is in it for me – so use social channels to communicate simply want is good about having breakfast. Provide the evidence to support the credibility of the information you are providing
· Are not all alike – an older millennial may have different needs from a younger millennial, the latter behaving more like a student while the former may be a new parent
· Want to know where their food comes – so partner with the commodity groups to provide engaging and interesting information on the store floor. Commodity groups will be able to tell the story of the foods they bring to the supermarket. You may even consider doing farm tours or food manufacturing tours.
· Are interested in fresh and quality foods delivered by grocery store – so have more breakfast ideas at the deli and fresh food counter to draw them away from the convenience fast food breakfast places. Have more front of store deli with grab and go breakfast items such as breakfast burritos, yogurt parfaits etc.
· Are well connected digitally - so leverage the digital media to amplify reach. Including breakfast in your postings, go where they are to increase visibility. Use simple posts – caloric requirements, apps, how to use apps, portions etc
· Keep up with new food items so you need to keep up too or rather be one step ahead of them
· Are interested in foods in a positive way so you need to tailor you messages in a positive way - how breakfast will meet their nutrition needs
