At the beginning of the year, we saw the first deadline for compliance with the FDA’s new nutrition labeling regulations come and go. Just a few weeks later, our lives and businesses were turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. As food and beverage manufacturers navigate a consumer audience that has changed its attitudes and behaviors completely, they must also address changing the Nutrition Facts on their labels. As if there isn’t enough going on, label changes like those required under the current regulations can have wider-reaching implications for some brands.
When we compound this with the impact of the crisis on consumer purchase behavior, even the smallest label changes must be carefully weighed. In the current marketplace, labeling changes may even further affect behavior. There are key topics to explore in order to take a proactive stand when it comes to brand equity, consumer perception, and more. We’re examining these topics in light of the prescribed label requirements, but many of these lessons are applicable to any changes, spurred from the crisis or otherwise.