Sustainability, convenience among focus of 2019 food and drink trends, study says
Consumers are demanding for better quality and service across the sector.
Global food and drinks trends for 2019 will focus on consumers view on sustainability, healthy-living and demand for convenient solutions, according to a study by Mintel.
The study further mentioned that these sectors will affect areas such as formulation, packaging and marketing in the years to come.
Consumers are beginning to see sustainability as a product lifecycle where an ingredient goes from “farm to retailer to fork to bin and, ideally, to rebirth as a new plant”. Sustainability efforts in 2019, according to Mintel, will not only involve recycling but also recycle packaging and upcycled goods.
“In 2019, support of and demand for more corporate sustainability programmes will grow as consumers better understand what’s required to get closer to achieving a truly circular food and drink economy,” Jenny Zegler, associate director of Mintel Food and Drink, said.
They are also looking to have a lifestyle that will given them a longer and healthier lifespan. This drives food and drink manufacturers to create product offerings that can address health concerns for people of all ages about bone, joint, brain and eye health.
Lastly, manufacturers have the need to respond to the growing demand for convenience whereas there is a pressuring competition on faster delivery services, individual meal kits being sold at retail and more prepared meals, sides, and sauces that imitates the flavours and formats of those served in restaurants.
“Finally, we predict the rising segment of consumers who are often on-the-go, yet want to spend more time at home will increase demand for upscale, ‘speed scratch’ solutions and restaurant-quality, ready-to-consume products,” Zegler continued.
“As meal kits and foodservice-inspired beverages lead the way, there will also be more opportunities for brands to develop healthy, flavourful, customisable, and quick premium convenience products for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and dessert occasions.”
