Top food and drink trends identified for 2012
A UK-based independent research organisation, has predicted the food and drink trends set to make an impact in 2012.
The top 10 food and drink trends identified by Leatherhead Food Research are:
Health and wellness
Leatherhead say that health and wellness is a trend which has had an over-arching influence on the developments of the food and beverage industry in recent years and this influence is set to continue into 2012. Key priorities for companies will include the continued efforts to meet guidelines on the reduction of salt, fat and sugar as well as the active promotion of health benefits on products (ranging from ‘one of your five a day’ to more niche areas such as the inclusion of functional ingredients).
Sustainability
There is a continued focus from companies on issues of sustainability and this is likely to be a present and influential trend for many years to come as companies work hard to streamline their practices and supply chains into more ethically-sound operations. This encompasses a whole range of issues including packaging-reduction initiatives, ever-more ethical sourcing policies, reduction of food miles etc.
Convenience
Busy and chaotic lifestyles simply will not allow elaborate home-cooked meals during the working week. In addition, the development of new ‘ready meal’ concepts in the form of meal kits and premium offerings will ensure new choices for prepared meals.
Flavour solutions
Compensating for lower levels of salt, fat and/or sugar will continue to increase the need for more flavourful solutions. Combinations of herbs, spices and other strong flavours will provide a flavourful backdrop to many products. Think of ingredient combinations such as lemongrass, garlic and ginger or the use of seaweed as a salt enhancer. Furthermore, consumers are looking for more adventurous and ‘premium’ flavour combinations, for example the use of lavender in dark chocolate.
‘Free from’ foods market
The crux of this market lies within the seemingly growing number of consumers who do not have a diagnosed food allergy but do believe their general health improves with the omission of certain foodstuffs from their diet. For example, avoiding wheat or gluten to combat bloating. Therein lies an opportunity for both mainstream manufacturers to highlight additional product benefits as well as allowing the traditional ‘free from’ brands to break the niche mould within which they’ve traditionally operated.
On-going demand for “natural”
Whilst the hype around the natural trend has dampened slightly, the effects are on-going particularly as larger multinationals weigh up the cost/benefit of switching to natural components (e.g. food colours, flavours). However, the practicalities have set in and companies now need to consider issues such as the sustainability of supply as well as the longevity of consumer demand in their particular product area (e.g. those product categories with inherent natural associations are likely to remain in demand).
The budget conscious still seek affordable luxuries
Unrelenting pressure on household budgets will see retailers continue to flex their ‘value for money’ credentials; thus manufacturers will persist in their efforts to seek cost-effective solutions. Conversely however, food is seen as an affordable luxury and therefore lucrative opportunities do exist, for example in the form of ‘staying in’ solutions (such as meal kits) and more premium offerings.
Quality linked to location
Consumers are more keenly aware of where their foods are produced and sourced and this will continue to impact the food and beverage market in two ways. Firstly, the demand towards locally-produced and locally-sourced fresh food including meat, vegetables, fruit, cheese etc. has not abated and will continue into 2012. Interestingly, the restaurant industry is seeing activities such as foraging and sourcing of speciality ingredients grow exponentially as chefs seek to differentiate their menus. Secondly, more exotic ingredients such as Madagascan vanilla (used in the UK) will also benefit from an overt provenance message. The clear message is that location helps to give consumers a distinct impression of the product’s quality.
Over 55 and fitter than ever
Longer working lives and a strong interest in maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle is leading to the creation of more products which are tailored to the specific needs and wants of these consumers. Health benefits will be at the forefront of the market and this will be a key area of development for the functional ingredients market in particular (for example, glucosamine – for joint health – and omega-3 products).
Softer claims
The ever-changing regulatory environment is having a strong impact in the way manufacturers are positioning their products. Manufacturers will persist with seeking out a softer approach to deliver key messages to their consumers (e.g. within colour, imagery, phraseology etc).
I have hypoglycemia and for years have been battling to get foods that are free of sugar milk and wheat in the supermarkets i am now involved in a program with the Hypoglycemic health ass. of Aus to work to prevent diabetes/obesity
Sugar is the main culprit and used in the majority of products on the supermarket shelves if there is any way we can educate the people on the perils of sugar say lets do it