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Trend Watch: Innovations on the Horizon

December 2022

In an industry that’s constantly evolving as consumer demands change, it can be hard to keep up. The new year offers food and beverage manufacturers the chance to step back, assess, and plan innovative new strategies for attracting consumer interest. With the help of healthy, sustainable ingredients that are always popular with consumers, like freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, formulators can re-think their product positioning and develop exciting offerings that help shape and energize health and wellness efforts around the world.

Check out one of the most impactful trends of 2022, and two trends we’re looking forward to seeing more of in 2023:

2022’s Top “Impact” Trend:
Plant-Based

From vegan seafood to plant-based protein desserts, 2022 was a year full of plant-centric innovation. With 70% of Gen Z and millennial consumers showing a strong interest in plant-based alternatives1, it’s no surprise that the plant-based market is estimated to reach $10.9 billion by the end of this year2. Whether it be for sustainable, ethical, or health reasons, the interest in plant-based products has reshaped the food and beverage industry, influencing innovation for years to come.

Trending Up in 2023:
Sustainability & Transparency

Consumers are increasingly supporting brands that align with their social, ethical and sustainability values—and it’s only going to grow in 2023. With 54% of consumers stating that they value a brand’s honesty and transparency,3 and 58% being willing to spend more on sustainable products,4 future consumers will clearly support companies that don’t just provide tasty products, but deliver moral benefits, too. By incorporating Chaucer’s reliable and transparent ingredients, formulators can pass along the desirable benefits to consumers.

Global Flavors

As more people cook meals at home, or enjoy more frequent snacking, consumers are looking for food options to, literally, spice up their daily routine. The interest in trying global flavors is projected to increase in 2023, with global flavors such as tamarind and ube up 500%5. With 75% of consumers enjoying a menu that offers diverse cultural creations6, foodservice brands must incorporate a diverse range of natural flavors from ingredients across the globe. Chaucer’s freeze-dried ingredients, like pomegranate and rhubarb, are simple and delicious ways to serve up bold, unique flavors within your next dish.

As new consumer demands emerge, like sustainability and global flavors, the innovation potential for food and beverage brands in 2023 is exciting. For formulators, future innovations may come with challenges, such as getting the right consistency and perfecting the flavor—while still remaining healthy and sustainable. But that’s no reason to give up. At Chaucer Foods, our team of experts are passionate about developing what’s next, and helping brands achieve a trend-setting status. Through our extensive vetting process and keen eye for quality, our ingredients can be the first step in creating a product that gets your current and future customers talking.

Are you looking for more information on what trends will shape our industry in 2023? Read our recent conversation with Shaby Fisher, Global Marketing Manager of Chaucer Foods, to learn more about the top trends of 2022, and what to expect in the new year.

Reference
1“Taking the Pulse of Teens and Young Adults,“ IFT. 2022.
2“Global Plant-based Food Market is Estimated to Reach Worth of US $10.9 Bn by 2022,” Future Market Insights. November 2022.
3“Plant-Based Food, Beverage and Ingredient Innovation Expands,” Prepared Foods. September 2022.
4“Consumers Demand Sustainable Products and Shopping Formats,” Forbes. May 2022.
5“Experiencing Travel Through Taste: Global Flavors To Inspire Innovation,” FlavorSum. September 2022.
6“Global Flavors in the Food and Beverage Space,” Fona. July 2022.

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