Top ten trends: 2018 in review
Dec 2018This year has seen a significant proportion of food and beverage products positioned as healthy and responsibly sourced, which reflects the top trend for 2018 from Innova Market Insights: Mindful choices. Other trends that influenced the industry in 2018, as predicted by the market researcher, were lighter enjoyment, positively processed, going full circle, beyond the coffeehouse, dining out, in, ocean garden and bountiful choice.
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Spotlight on sodium
Mar 2024Innova Market Insights data indicates that there is a growth in low/no/reduced sodium claims in various food & beverage categories. Hot Drinks had a 24% average annual growth from 2021 to 2023. Categories Desserts & Ice Cream and Meat, Fish & Eggs are also on the growth path and show innovation potential.
Expanding organics
Mar 2024Innova Market Insights data indicates that organic claims are expanding into various food & beverage subcategories, painting a new landscape for the use of this claim. Organic flavored alcoholic beverages had a 35% average annual growth from 2019 to 2023. Other subcategories are also gaining ground, like wrapped chocolate pieces and others.
Chocolate & cocoa
Feb 2024Innova Market Insights data indicates there is a 2% average annual growth globally in cocoa ingredient use for food & beverage launches. Confectionery is a leader of these launches, with chocolate being the frontrunner, but there is fast growth of cocoa use in meat substitutes with 61% growth from October 2018 to September 2023.
Flavors in focus
Jan 2024Consumers are rushing into the world of bold and exciting flavors. Innova Market Insights predicts that flower & botanical flavors will take the lead in food & beverage flavor innovation in 2024. Other flavor trends on the rise include nostalgic vibes, fantasy flavors, emphasis on local delights and a mix of sweet and sour influences.
Slashing sugar
Jan 2024Innova Market Insights data suggests that food and beverages with sugar claims witnessed a 3% compound annual growth between October 2018 and September 2023. During the last year, the top category launched with sugar claims was Soft drinks. Meanwhile, Sucralose (14%) was the leading sweetening ingredient in product launches with sugar reduction claims.
Top 2024 Trends
Dec 2023According to Innova Market Insights, ingredients are taking the spotlight for food and beverage innovation in 2024. One-third of consumers globally say that they respond positively to certain key ingredients being flagged up on the front of the packaging. Other trends include prioritizing prevention as well as plant-based offerings.