Gen Z typically refers to digital natives born between 1995 and 2009. This emerging consumer force wields an impressive spending power of $360 billion, and they play a crucial role in household food purchasing decisions. Unlike previous generations who valued traditional meals, Gen Z consumers enjoy eating snacks throughout the day. They are curious and open to food with exotic flavors and desire products made with sustainable practices. These young people often live busy lives and rely on fast, convenient, and functional foods to fulfill their dietary requirements. Data shows that over 70% of Gen Z consumers use social media to find new food product experiences. Social sharing and online trends are a priority, and the internet will undoubtedly influence the next generation of food culture and commerce. To capture Gen Z's attention worldwide, food manufacturers are constantly creating innovative new flavors and leveraging digital trends and influencer marketing to capitalize in this competitive market.

Classic comfort food items, such as pizza and pasta, evoke nostalgia for Gen Z. However, this generation also tends to favor diverse options, including food served with exotic and interesting sauces or made with plant-based alternatives. Additionally, anything fast and easy like ready-to-eat microwave meals and the grab-and-go types of products appeal to their busy lifestyle. Bold and spicy flavors such as gochujang, kimchi-flavored, Mexican jalapeños, and Sichuan-style spicy noodles and snacks have quickly become a new trend. At the same time, sustainability is a core value for Gen Z, and many prefer minimally processed and eco-friendly food products.

Food manufacturers have undergone significant transformations to meet Gen Z's preferences, from product research and development to packaging designs and marketing strategies. Brands are constantly introducing new flavors and creating innovative products fusing Eastern and Western food cultures and flavors. These include Kimchi burritos, Thai-style spicy pasta, and even cheeseburger-flavored dumplings. Many manufacturers also highlight the functional benefits of their products, emphasizing high protein, fiber-rich, low-sugar, gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan ingredients. Packaging, convenience, sustainability, and eco-labels are crucial to attracting young consumers. Additionally, online shopping and home delivery services enhance brand loyalty and boost repeat purchases.

For Gen Z, social media is often their main source of information. Statistics show that over 75% of Gen Z consumers find and try new food products through social platforms, and they tend to share their experiences online. Social media has become their primary driver for food choices and purchases, compelling companies to create new food brands and marketing for this medium. Key digital marketing strategies include: Influencer marketing – Short-form video challenges and unboxing videos help new products go viral quickly. Limited-edition products, flash sales, mystery flavors, brand collaborations, and seasonal products also create FOMO (fear of missing out), and this increases demand. Interactive marketing – Allowing consumers to vote on new flavors and engage with AR filter taste tests strengthens brand interaction.

To stand out in this highly competitive and globalized food industry, brands must integrate "innovative flavors + health transparency + sustainability + social media marketing + convenience" to capture Gen Z’s attention. Great-tasting products alone are no longer enough to satisfy these young consumers! Innovative marketing, functionality, and digital engagement are now key factors in resonating with this generation. With nearly 50 years of experience, ANKO’s professional teams specialize in automated food production solutions and have assisted clients from over 114 countries. Our Taiwan-based headquarters feature “ANKO Food Lab,” which houses a database of over 700 international food recipes. Our team of experienced food researchers assists clients in customizing innovative products to develop production lines. ANKO food machines are designed to standardize complex production processes, significantly increasing productivity while maintaining product quality and consistency.

Our best-selling machines include the EMP-900 and EMP-3000 Empanada Making Machines – Ideal for producing puff pastry-filled foods such as Empanadas, Curry Puffs, and Calzones. Additionally, ANKO’s LP-3001 Automatic Production Line is suitable for the mass production of pizza bases, various Indian flatbreads, and scallion pancakes. The NDL-100 Commercial Noodle Machine is perfect for creating unique pasta shapes. The SD-97 Series Automatic Encrusting and Forming Machines are available in various models to meet different production demands for both Asian and Western filled foods and a multitude of desserts. If you are interested in learning more about our products and innovations, please feel free to contact us.