The global research firm, Innova Market Insights recently shared their predictions for the Top 10 Food Trends for 2012. Not surprisingly it seems that 2012 is the year of sustainability, quality, and purity. According to PR Newswire who announced the webinar, the top 10 trends were as follows (along with my own little comments and reflections):
1. “Pure” is the New Natural:
Innova notes an increase in instances from 2008-2011 of marketing the “purity” of product since “natural” is still somewhat ambiguous and/or open for interpretation.
2. Green is a Given:
Corporations are being held to higher social responsibility standards than ever before; from greener production to packaging. Consumers are being quite clear in their message to corporations to ‘Go green or go home’.
3. Location, Location, Location:
Where does my food come from? I know I’ve been pondering traceability a lot lately and apparently I’m not the only one.
4. Premium Stands Out:
Despite this uncertain economic environment, consumers will indulge in “premium” product, especially if it has the x-factor, or in this case, the good-for-you factor.
5. Seniors Draw Attention:
Companies are giving due respect to the older demographic in terms of packaging and clarity of nutritional information.
6. Forty is the New Twenty:
The 40-65 year old demographic are increasingly interested in successful aging products that will help them live an active, productive, and rewarding life for as long as possible.
7. Grounded in Science:
Consumers want scientifically proven facts on their foods. Innova uses the example ‘immune health is linked to Vitamin C’. It’s no longer enough to just say it. In other words, ‘prove it’.
8. Regulators Force a Rethink:
Governments are forcing food companies to change the way they manufacture their food due to rising rates of obesity and diabetes. Can I get an Amen?! It’s about time.
9. Unmeasureable niches:
Niches, like gluten-free, are still important to serve and are helping smaller food manufacturers stay in the game.
10. Boom for Protein:
Have you noticed the increase of hummus and Greek yogurt in your local grocery? This is related to consumers’ growing desire for protein-rich meat-free alternatives.
Laura’s 11. Home-grown Goodness
Not necessarily related to the food and beverage “market”, per se, but I’d add another growing food trend in 2012 which is people cooking and eating from ingredients they’ve grown themselves. My husband and I are one couple of many that has our own little humble container garden on our deck and we try to incorporate the fruits of our labor into our meals regularly.
What do you think? Are you seeing any food trends that weren’t mentioned here?