LONDON, April 25 Reuters From Nestle to Danone, food companies are seeing shoppers that want either premium or cheaper products, with less interest in items in the middle, particularly in developed markets like North America.

The packaged goods industry has for over two years hit shoppers with higher prices, citing higher costs that started with the pandemic and were exacerbated by Russia39;s invasion of Ukraine. Everything from sunflower oil to freight has become more expensive, taking a toll on global supply chains and consumers struggling to make ends meet.

Executives have in recent quarters reported that costs are rising at a slower pace, and have eased up on price hikes.

In some cases, prices are still rising because companies say they are innovating to create better products that are helping them win over wealthy shoppers.

At the same time, though, they say hardup shoppers are more focused than ever on bargains, particularly in the United States.

Nestle, the world39;s biggest packaged food company, on Thursday highlighted growth for pricier varieties of its Purina pet food and Perrier bottled water, as well as for cheaper Maggi noodles.

Regarding the U.S. it39;s important to keep in mind something that you39;ve also heard from other consumer companies and that39;s the state of, what I call, the bifurcated consumer, Nestle CEO Mark Schneider told journalists on a call to discuss first quarter sales.

We39;re seeing significant pressure at the lower income…