The food and drink development industry is always an interesting one to analyze because there are constant changes occurring that are a reflection of society as a whole. In particular, the last few years have seen some huge changes, much like most industries since the pandemic. It is important for businesses in the food and “drink development” industry to keep pace with the latest trends so that they can make positive changes, find ways to appeal to modern consumers and remain competitive. With this in mind, this article will look at some of the main food and “drink development” trends that are dominating in 2023.
Plant-Based Products
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Perhaps the biggest trend shaping the industry in 2023 is the rise of plant-based products. The demand for plant-based products has soared in recent times, largely due to the fact that consumers are becoming increasingly eco-conscious. Experts state that meat consumption is one of the main contributors to climate change, so more and more people are looking to switch to a plant-based diet or at least cut back on meat, and there have been great developments in this field that mean that many now cannot tell the difference between products.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Leading on from this, another way that consumers are becoming more sustainable in 2023 is by being selective of items that they buy in regards to packaging. People are looking to avoid plastics and instead seek out products that have sustainable, eco-friendly, and biodegradable packaging. This means that companies need to find the best solution for their particular product and something that will be practical but sustainable.
Healthy Food
There has also been a sharp rise in demand for healthy food in recent times. It is thought that the pandemic has changed people’s approach to food and health, with more and more people prioritizing a healthier lifestyle these days. Additionally, the wellness industry continues to soar, and a healthy diet is key for this – a healthy body and a healthy mind.
Food Trucks
Food trucks continue to rise in popularity, and it is easy to see why. Food trucks can be a great “on-the-go” option; they are cheaper than eating a meal in a restaurant and can provide a fun, communal, and casual dining experience.
Food trucks also make a lot of sense from an entrepreneurial understanding as it can be a lot easier and more affordable to set up a mobile food truck business compared to a restaurant. With busy lifestyles and many people returning to the office, food trucks will continue to be a significant trend for the foreseeable future.
Reducing Food Waste
Food waste has also become a big topic in recent times, especially with rising costs for food and drink businesses. Therefore, companies are looking to reduce food waste to optimize stock and energy usage, and this is possible with AI technology that enables businesses to improve efficiency and track inventory levels of different ingredients. Additionally, consumers are looking to reduce food waste both to protect the planet and to keep their food bills down. Therefore, many are looking for recipes online that can incorporate lots of different items that are going off, such as stews and omelets.
High-Quality Coffee
Coffee has always been a popular product and a money-making business venture. In 2023, there is a much greater emphasis placed on high-quality coffee, and people are willing to pay more for a good cup of coffee. This has resulted in a sharp rise in the demand for Colombian green coffee beans that can then be roasted and sold. Columbia is known as one of the best places to grow coffee due to the high altitudes, and this can provide a distinctive taste. Coffee roasters will want to ensure that they are getting a wide range of green coffee beans from Columbia to keep consumers happy in 2023.
Inflation
Of course, inflation is a global issue that is heavily impacting the food and drink industry in 2023. Businesses are facing soaring costs while many are also struggling to maintain sales, which is resulting in many companies folding.
Consumers are also seeing their money not go as far as it used to, which means that many are cutting back on luxuries and opting for non-brand products. This will continue to be an issue in the food and drink industry (and other sectors) for a while to come, and businesses need to be innovative and find ways to keep their costs down and maintain sales during this challenging period.
Automation
In food production, automation is playing an increasingly prominent role. This is partly due to the development of technology that can automate many processes in food manufacturing but also due to labor shortages and disrupted supply chains that many businesses have been facing since the pandemic. Automation can help a food production company to avoid production issues, increase productivity and even keep costs down.
Low & No-Alcohol Drinks
The demand for low and no-alcohol drinks has also shot up in the last few years. Many people have decided to cut back or quit drinking completely, which is due to the growing wellness industry. This has led brewers to focus on these ranges, and there are also now many bars and restaurants that sell a wider range of low and no-alcohol beverages and even some no-alcohol bars around the US.
These are a few of the biggest food and drink trends that are shaping the industry in 2023. It is always interesting to look at what the latest trends are because they often reflect society and what is happening around the world. It has undoubtedly been a turbulent few years, which is reflected in many of the trends that have emerged in recent times. Businesses in the food and drink industry need to keep pace with these trends so that they can adapt, grow and improve and continue to appeal to a modern consumer. It is even more critical in the current climate, with many businesses struggling as a result of rising costs, so the above trends must all be considered.
