Many global food and beverage trends are already changing consumers’ perspectives, and that will only intensify as we enter 2016. Here a few of these trends and the opportunities they present to food and beverage marketers.
- Looks good enough to share: Food focused media has provided the conduit for visually sharing one’s food creations, particularly among millennials. This often includes brand specific ingredient mentions and comments.
- Fat loses some of its stigma: Consumers have become more informed about good fats versus bad fats and are no longer avoiding all fats. They’re reading food product labels and choosing wisely.
- Food as health and beauty products: Consumers have a growing awareness of the relationship of food to how one looks and feels. They are looking for more functional foods and beverages enhanced with nutraceuticals such as probiotics and collagen.
- Eating solo is ok: Across all demographics, more consumers are experiencing more occasions to dine alone. They are looking for appealing food products and meal kits sized for single diners.
- Sports nutrition works out for everyone: Consumers are becoming more active, at all age and fitness levels. They want to fuel their bodies for their individual performance levels with appropriately formulated sports nutrition products.
- Product claims under fire: Consumers are scrutinizing product claims at unprecedented levels. They are reading food product labels more frequently and asking more questions. Nutrition facts and brand stories on packaging are becoming a primary source of information for consumers.
