Today’s consumer is more likely to snack throughout the day rather than eat three set meals. They value low-prep, buy-on-the-go products and demand new retail and vending formats that meet their wellness agenda of freshness, nutrition, and sustainability. Snacking companies are therefore spending more on product and packaging innovation to bring their brands to life and appeal to these consumers. In addition to overseeing Campbell’s R&D for soup, sauce, and beverages in its international markets, Craig Stephen Slavtcheff leads research and development for some of the world’s best-known snack brands, including Pepperidge Farm, Arnott’s, Royal Dansk, Kjeldsens, Snyder-Lance, Kettle Brand and Cape Cod, among others. To better understand what’s on the horizon in the snack market, we spoke with Slavtcheff about the critical needs of today’s modern consumer, packaging and product innovation, and how to improve the shopping experience.