Predicting the food and beverage industry’s future is difficult, particularly after a turbulent 2020 that turned the industry upside down. However, there are a few primary takeaways from the past year that will definitely have an effect in 2021 and beyond.
With 85 percent of customers reporting that COVID-19 has caused them to change their eating habits, understanding the top 7 food market patterns for 2021 is critical for food producers and food scientists alike.
So just like we highlighted the Top 7 Industry Food Trends for 2020, we’ve got your back for 2021, too!
1. Transparency Triumphs
It will be more critical than ever for brands to up their accountability game in order to satisfy market demand. Consumer appetite for a clear supply chain and product label has never been higher, from clean label products to ethical and responsible ingredient sourcing.
In reality, three out of five global consumers claim they want to learn more about where their food comes from and how it is produced, according to a 2020 Innova Market Survey. As a result, the word “clean label” has evolved from simply indicating that a product is organic and additive-free to also indicating how sustainable and humane it is.
2. Plant-forward Focus
Although everyone in the industry is aware of the rising plant-based trend, 2021 will see a rise in demand for plant-forward goods, bringing plant-based to the next level. That’s right, plant-based eating has become popular, resulting in its rapid expansion across a wider range of market segments, especially when it comes to alternative proteins and indulgence.
In reality, compared to the previous year, the average annual growth in plant-based food and beverage launches increased by 36%. Currently, fewer than one-fifth of global consumers prefer plant-based substitutes because they believe they taste better. This creates a major opportunity for brands that want to collaborate with ingredient companies that specialize in flavor solutions for plant-based applications.
3. Consuming On-Demand.
A rise in omni-channel consumption is one of the most significant improvements in response to the pandemic. Consumers now have more choices than ever before in terms of eating what they want, when they want it, and where they want it.
Home cooking has been transformed by convenient meal options and restaurant-branded items. It’s not only about finding familiar flavors in meals; it’s also about finding restaurant flavors in snack items like Nashville Hot Chicken potato chips, which bring restaurant flavors into consumers’ homes in unique ways.
Convenience, richer experiences, and easily available indulgence are now more critical than ever for food manufacturers.
4. In-Tune With Immune.
The pandemic has also taken the consumer trend of prioritizing immune health to the next level. This trend is fully expected to continue into 2021 with ongoing anxiety stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak. In fact, three in five consumers shared that they are “increasingly looking for food and beverage products that support immune health.”
5. Science & Nutrition
“Technology is addressing demands for food & beverage with enhanced nutritional value, sustainability or ethical impact,” according to Innova – which is exactly what customers expect with four in five global consumers agreeing with the statement “I believe in progress in food and beverage through science.”
Food manufacturers need to leverage the expertise available in the industry to meet consumer expectations, especially when it comes to overcoming the challenges associated with creating great-tasting healthy foods.
6. Product Mash-ups
Everyone knows innovation is a constant requirement in the food and beverage industry. What that means exactly is a little less clear and can seem like a moving target. For 2021, we’ve got our sights set on product mash-ups. Why? Research from Innova shows three in five consumers are “interested in trying new sensory experiences (e.g., aromas, tastes, textures, colors, sensations),” with the younger generations leading the demand for such flavor experiences. Think ice cream pizzas and cereals that taste like coffee. What innovative new products are waiting to be discovered by your food scientists? Pro-tip, finding the right industry partner from the start of product development is key to hitting the mark on taste.
7. Modern Nostalgia
As many of us have experienced ourselves this year, times of unease, unrest, and uncertainty drive consumers to seek comfort in foods that remind them of happier, less turbulent times. As the world continues to fight the pandemic and, hopefully, begin to heal in 2021 we expect the trend to continue. But, it’s not as simple as consumers falling back on nostalgic, familiar comfort foods. Consumers expect a modern twist on their favorite classics. Food manufacturers can ride this wave by adding exotic flavors and ingredients to familiar products and using global trends to influence local products.
As 2020 comes to an end, it will be essential to keep an eye on these top 7 food industry trends for 2021. Food manufacturers and their food scientists will be challenged to innovate in order to meet consumer demand for healthier, tastier products. The dairy flavors experts at Edlong are ready to help. From plant-based to dairy-based product development and enhancement, they are experts at navigating product development challenges – reach out today!