BY GAIL BARNES SUSTAINABILITY SPECIALIST
In a recent report Mintel identified twelve key global food and drink trends for 2016. According to Jenny Zegler, Mintel Global Food and Drink Analyst, quoted in an industry publication, “These trends explore how consumers’ evolving priorities, opportunities from advancements in functional formulation and the almost inescapable reach of technology will affect food and drink in the coming year. Consumers are not the only influencers, as shifting economics, natural phenomena and social media are shaping what, how, where and with whom consumers are choosing to eat and drink.”
Sustainability becomes a necessary new product development consideration for the common good
One of the key trends called out in the report is “Eco is the new reality,” described to be already “Established” in Africa, Australia and New Zealand, “Mainstreaming” in Europe, and “Emerging” in North and South America and parts of Asia.
According to the report, “Drought, worries about food waste and other natural phenomena not only affect the worldwide food and drink supply, but influence preparation and production. In 2016, sustainability evolves from being good for the bottom line to being a necessary new product development consideration for the common good.”
Strong connection between personal health and environmentally friendly choices
The EcoFocus Trend Survey found that consumers in the healthy beverage shopper category make a strong connection between their personal health and the environmentally friendly choices they make. They also have high expectations about packaging because of the impact it can have on the foods and beverages they buy and use.
85% of these shoppers believe beverage packaging that doesn’t impact the taste is most important – followed by protection of nutrients and ability to keep the beverage fresh without preservatives.
Healthy beverage shoppers are speaking with their dollars:
Implications for packaging
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