As we’ll see, consumers are becoming savvier and more cautious about how their food are made. Gone are the days of avoiding labels and delving into the manufacturing and production processes. People focus on sustainability, eco-friendliness, and all-natural ingredients.
Let’s break down top seven trends in food and beverage industry, one by one.
1. Plant-based foods
If you pay attention to social media pages, vegetarianism seem like taking over the world. However, the number of hardcore vegetarians hasn’t increased substantially. A recent survey showed that only 3% of U.S. adults identify as a vegan, which is only slightly higher than the 2% figure from 2012. Nielsen IQ search data shows that the term “vegan” is the second-most searched snack term, and the seventh-most searched for across all online grocery shopping websites.
It seems that many consumers want to incorporate vegetarian and vegan dishes into their lives without converting altogether. So, while the number of vegans isn’t increasing, the demand for plant-based food is. Examples can include vegan cheese, meat-free “meat”, and alternative milk products. Cauliflower is especially having a moment, as people are using it for everything from mashed potato alternatives to pizza crusts.
2. Responsible sourcing
Looking at a label isn’t enough—consumers want to know exactly how their food got from the farm to their plate. Factory farming is still prevalent, but most people want ethically sourced ingredients, particularly when it comes to meat. Free-range cattle and chickens are more desirable than those who grow up without green pastures and sunlight.
Some specific attributes that customers care about include:
Biobased Packaging Claim Certifications
Eco-Friendly Certified
Reef Safe (i.e., seafood products)
Biodegradable Packaging Claim Certification
Fair Trade Claim Certification
Sustainable Farming Certification
3. Casein-free diet
Dairy intolerance is prevalent in the U.S., with over 30 million people having an allergic reaction to lactose in dairy products. Casein is a protein in dairy that can trigger an allergic reaction. So, some consumers need to avoid it at all costs. We’ve already seen the explosive growth of “natural” products, but now we’re shifting toward specialty-diet offerings as well.
4. Homemade convenience
The rise of home delivery meal kits like Hello Fresh and Home Chef shows that consumers want to make better dishes in their own kitchens. However, since the average person isn’t trained, they need guidance to ensure that they don’t make their food inedible.
Even if you’re not in the meal kit business, you can meet the demand for convenience by making it easier for customers. Pre-made or easy-to-make dishes are much more desirable, especially for those who work multiple jobs. Overall, the trick is blending convenience with everything else, such as sustainability and natural ingredients.
5. Sustainability
With climate change looming over everything, consumers want to know that their products are eco-conscious. Products made of recycled or repurposed materials are more valuable than single-use items. Plant-based plastics are also becoming more popular because they break down much faster than petroleum-based materials.
6. Transparency
This trend goes hand-in-hand with responsible sourcing. Consumers want companies to be more transparent about their supply chain and manufacturing processes. The more information you can provide, the better off you’ll be. One example of transparency is notifying shoppers if there are any genetically modified organisms (GMOs) present. Some states require this labeling, while others don’t. Regardless of any regulations, consumers want to make informed decisions about the food they eat and drink.
On a company level, CPG manufacturers can use QR codes to provide more information about specific products. Label Insights offers customized codes that can link to corresponding landing pages.
7. Global flavors
The internet has connected the globe like never before, meaning that consumers are exposed to many more cultures. The best way to experience a new culture is to sample its food. Luckily, social media provides an endless bounty of delicious and envy-inducing photos.
Post time: Nov-08-2022