Targeting the increasingly adventurous consumer who is intent on new discoveries and experiences will be key to developments in the food and beverage industry in 2019, according to a new research report from Innova Market Insights.
The report highlights the top five trends most likely to impact the industry over the coming year and beyond:
Discovery: the adventurous consumer
Consumers are moving out of their comfort zones to explore bolder flavours and food experiences, often with an element of the unexpected.
The plant kingdom
The plant-based food and drink market shows no signs of slowing down. Even mainstream consumers are keen to add more plant-based options into their diets. For many, going plant-based is about achieving a healthy and sustainable balance between meat and vegetables, rather than an all-or-nothing approach.
Alternatives to all
As more consumers pay attention to health and sustainability, replacement foods and ingredients are on the rise. Health remains the number one reason to buy food alternatives, with one in two US consumers reporting that health is a reason for buying alternatives to bread, meat or dairy.
Green appeal
The industry is increasingly committing to answering customer expectations around sustainability. This is driving corporate goals, as manufacturers commit to sustainable product and packaging development with a range of initiatives. This includes waste reduction through upcycled ingredients and post-consumer recycling, as well as improved biodegradability and new technology, such as compostable capsules and vegetable inks.
Snacking: the definitive occasion
For most consumers, snacking is a part of daily life, but the way people think about snacking and what is considered a snack is changing. Snacking is no longer the optional extra, but the definitive occasion.
