The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

At this year’s Fi Europe, ADM, a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, explored what’s driving evolving nutrition demands. Key factors include new and expanding consumer segments spurred by the increased focus on weight management and healthy ageing.

On the show floor, ADM spotlighted food, beverage and dietary supplement concepts designed to help meet consumers’ unique needs, while also reflecting the trends identified in ADM’s 2025 Flavor and Color Trends Report. Concepts were also brought to life through interactive experience zones at the company’s booth, including a live cooking station focused on plant-based and blended protein concepts.

In the New Product Zone, ADM showcased concepts as part of its recently unveiled supportive solutions platform for users of anti-obesity medications (AOMs), and ADM spoke further on empowering consumers on their weight management journeys in the Fi Conference Theatre.

“The individual needs of consumers are only expanding, and we now have this fast-growing consumer group taking AOMs that has shifting taste preferences and heightened nutritional needs.” said Divya Mohan, director of global food and beverage creation, design and development for health and wellness at ADM. “Our market-ready food and supplement concepts, containing a range of science-backed functional ingredients, along with plant proteins, sweetening solutions, texturants and naturally derived flavours and colours, help brands get ahead of this evolving market.”

Solutions like ADM’s Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347 (ES1) postbiotic, which was awarded as the winner of the Health Innovation Award category for the 2024 Fi Europe Innovation Awards, have clinically documented research for targeted support. New research indicates that ES1 probiotic and postbiotic may support overall gut and digestive health. ADM’s global regenerative agriculture programme was also recognised as a finalist in the Sustainability Innovation Award category.

In addition, ADM highlighted a range of plant proteins and various blended protein sources as ideal solutions for the increasing number of consumers seeking more protein without them drastically changing their diets.

Bastian Hörmann, global marketing director of Sweet Goods, Dairy and Specialized Nutrition at ADM, underlined this opportunity, stating: “Protein blends take the best characteristics from different protein sources for optimised taste, texture and nutrition, opening the door for a wider range of consumer-preferred protein offerings.”

Above all else, consumers will not compromise on exceptional sensory experiences, a point ADM emphasised through the concepts and capabilities displayed at Fi Europe. The 'healthy indulgence' trend is one that ADM doesn’t see slowing down in 2025.

Functional solutions like award-winning ADM/Matsutani LLC’s Fibersol coupled with advanced flavour modulation technologies, such as TasteSpark, deliver on fortification and full sensory experiences in better-for-you foods and beverages. ADM also launched its newest stevia product, SweetRight Stevia Edgility, which is designed to function with superior sweetening and greater calorie and sugar reduction, while being cost-effective.

“Through our holistic formulation approach and vast ingredients pantry we ensure indulgently delicious taste experiences are achieved,” added Hörmann. “We continue to expand upon our capabilities, while also keeping a pulse on the nuanced needs of consumers, ultimately with the goal of bringing innovative solutions that are both nutritious and delicious to people around the globe today and for the years ahead.”

#ADM