Historical trends notice: This article was published in 2021/2022 and reflects food-industry forecasts and external information available at that time. Any predictions or environmental statements should not be interpreted as current conditions or as claims about Ingredient Solutions products.
In this detailed 85 page report by Spoonshot that was published recently there are a wide range of predictions. It’s well worth reading in full, but this is a quick overview.
Health
Spoonshot predict that people’s interest in boosting their immunity will change to a more holistic focus on health and that health foods will become more important to people. Concepts like bio-availability and food synergies will become increasingly important. We may see increased food synergies targeted at specific conditions. This might be through increased bioavailability through specific food combinations or through partnering foods. For example partnering foods known for containing certain vitamins and minerals which have been shown to be effective for a specific health gain – immunity, gut health etc. An increased awareness of the linkages between gut health and lung health will also play a role and increase the market for foods containing probiotics and prebiotics, like cheese.
Food Service
The report looks at food service businesses, the hardest hit sector of the pandemic. It predicts a change in how food businesses operate.
Food service may change due to the impact of anosmia, the loss of smell, that many sufferers of covid experienced. This is not something that most people have experienced before and the report predicts that sense of smell is going to play a role in the evolution of food service. Some smells have proven to be intolerable to those recovering from the coronavirus and might be avoided; conversely certain scents have been found to be beneficial. Spoonshot also predict that there’ll be an increase in automation to reduce contact between customer and staff, in terms of delivery, cooking and waiting.
Environmental and Product Trends
The report identified growing consumer and industry interest in environmental issues, product sourcing and changing food preferences. It also noted increased attention on organic products, vegetarian foods and alternative ingredients.
The report discussed continued growth in plant-based drinks, including soya, almond, oat and other alternatives. Environmental performance can vary significantly between products, production systems and supply chains, so any environmental comparison should be supported by relevant evidence.
Upcycling
The report highlighted growing interest in using food by-products and surplus materials in commercially viable products. For example, over ripe food and veg that is air-dried and packaged or normally unused coffee husks made into drinks. Waste products from the food industry is also being made into clothing and other non-food items.
Further ahead
Spoonshot sees an increase in awareness of postbiotics, which are a byproduct of fermentation in the intestine and contained in some fermented foods like kefir and cheese. They are not live so have a long shelf-life and could be used in a wide range of foods. The report also predicts that carbon labelling will be more and more prevalent on food packaging.
Read the Spoonshot report in full by clicking here – Report by Spoonshot
