2019 Outlook on U.S. Market in the Food Industry

New year, new trends in the food industry!

Like every year, we had the pleasure of attending the 2019 #WinterFancyFoodShow last week and meeting some of the key players that will shape the food industry for #innovation and #technology.

So let’s have a quick look of the trends that will shape 2019.

Consumer Behaviour:

As a general overview, consumers will continue to be more and more conscious about what they eat. Plant-based diets, eating healthy, and a need for sustainability and transparency on the production process will be a keen focus for consumers. In 2019, Millenials and Gen Z will be the two clusters where both big and small corporations will need to invest to gain market shares. Nowadays, being on the shelves or being highly digital is good, but not enough. Consumers of these types, or of any type, need to be emotionally captured from marketing message, make them having an experience in which they can identify themselves and their value. My tips: be authentic, unique, and transparent in your category.

Food & Beverage Trend:

Plant-based food is no longer a trend but is going to be a real movement very soon. With the increase of allergies and more awareness on what consumers eat daily at home and at the restaurant, as well as the environmental impact that eating and drinking has on the Earth, there is an increase in demand of meat alternatives, healthier snacks that are fruit or vegetable based, and no sugar and low calorie beverages. Consumers want to feel good about what they eat, themselves, and the impact they have on Earth.

Ethnic Food:

In this day in age, Millenials and Gen Z are raised in a way that opens their minds to various environments which invites curiosity to different foods and tastes that expand on their eating experience. These types of consumers have the power to create a market within the market. According to Specialty Food Association, they are driving a shift in interest to regional foods from Africa, South Asia, and Latin America.  

Packaging:

In talking about sustainability and awareness on environmental impact, consumers are more sensitive on the eco-friendly/recyclable status of the packaging and relative materials in which their food is packaged.

Restaurants:

According to the National Restaurant Association “zero-waste” is 2019’s big trend. Millenials and Gen Z consumers are no longer hoping, but expecting the eco-friendly impact in restaurants to be prevalent and prioritized. It is also good for business in that waste reduction is very cost effective and it gains customer trust through brand loyalty. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. Additional to the trend of “zero-waste” affecting the ways in which restaurants run operations, the “zero-mile” trend has also made its way from the home kitchen to restaurant kitchens. There exists a large population of customers that have a big interest in eating locally grown produce, not only at home, but when they go out to eat as well.

CBD:

Across the most important bloggers and food influencers, cannabis-infused cooking products such as cheese, tea, coffee, and chocolate will hit the market this year. We will see a repositioning of the products and marketing message to the consumers. However, cannabis and CBD are federally controlled substances, and laws governing their use vary from state to state. So if you think that’s your market niche, you need to carefully review all laws and be compliant with them.

We hope that this quick information was helpful, we wish you a great and profitable 2019!