25 Sep 2023 --- Poland-based food and beverage company Agus, specializing in dairy and snack foods on-the-go, is set to present its Hello Day vegan and eco-conscious brand at the Anuga Cologne trade show in Germany next month (7 to 11 October).

The Hello Day flagship products are its plant-based smoothies and honey nut bars the company says is produced with minimally processed elements like roasted nuts and pure, unadulterated blossom honey.

“The growth of the global market for plant-based snacks is forecast by consumer reports. By 2029, it could be worth about US$80 billion, an increase of nearly 230% over a decade,” says Jarosław Bańda, communications director at Agus. 

“This motivates Agus to develop the plant-based product category,” Bańda continues. “Our food must be tasty and nutritious and simultaneously have the least possible impact on the environment.” 

Environmental sustainability
Sustainability is this year’s core theme at Anuga. Agus describes the theme of sustainability as the perfect opportunity to showcase the companys new plant-based products. 

The Hello Day V-Label-certified smoothie promises consumers a blend of desirable natural components and a unique taste. It comprises natural, non-concentrated purees, juices and coconut cream. It is sugar-free and comes in three flavors: passion fruit, pineapple and mango. 

The company sees the certified vegan label of its Hello Day products as a critical factor for their low environmental impact. Agus cites that the Harvard Department of Nutrition developed the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI), in which a plant-based diet was found to score high in terms of positively impacting the environment. 

Portable nutrition
Agus’ new “food-on-the-go” products will also be introduced at Anuga. To ensure the environmental sustainability of the “snack in a bottle,” Agus provides recyclable packaging and plans to offer the product in alternative packaging options, including pouches, bowls, bars and bites.

The way the smoothies are packaged helps determine the different consumption occasions, different shopping missions and fulfilling consumer versatile needs. Smoothies in a bottle provide a filling, refreshing drink, while a bowl is positioned as a spoonable light meal. 

The company highlights that the offerings respond to current consumer needs, including the increased pace of life and the need to access food on-the-go.

Consumer health
Beyond the environmentally conscious nature of plant-based food products, Agus says it was inspired to develop its plant-based brand by scientific research, pointing to the varied health benefits of a meat-free diet. 

The company points to a Harvard University research presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in July of 2023, which revealed that a plant-based diet significantly affects the body’s immunity and ability to cope with even severe diseases. 

“We cannot remain indifferent to the analysis and data in the field of nutrition provided to us by scientists,” says Bańda.  

Referring back to the Harvard PHDI, Agus states that reducing meat consumption and adopting a diet with a high PHDI level has been shown to reduce the risk of illness and even death. In particular, the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases was reduced by 25%.

At Anuga, it will be possible to get to know the new Agus products at two booths: drinks and snacks will be featured at booth 8.1 B70/B78 and dairy at booth 10.1 H20. 

“From the very beginning of our business, Agus has had ambitious development plans and a clear vision,” Bańda concludes. “Twenty-five years of activity in the industry confirms that we have chosen the right path of action, and we are very glad that, in view of the changes in the market, our products are becoming more and more trusted by the consumers.”