As the food and beverage industry continues to evolve, staying on top of the latest trends is crucial for companies to remain competitive. This year’s Cibus Connect in Parma, Italy presented some exciting new trends that are sure to make waves in the industry. Here are the top 10 food trends presented at Cibus Connect:
Plant-Based Foods: The popularity of plant-based diets continues to grow, and companies are responding with new plant-based products that mimic meat and dairy. This innovation has been applied to traditional foods such as Panettone and brioche and Navona Imports was happy to discover a vegan Panettone producer with vegan caramel, pistachio cream and vegan chocolate fillings.
Functional Foods: Consumers are increasingly seeking out foods with added health benefits, such as probiotics and prebiotics. Consumers are also adding extra virgin olive oil to their daily diet to substitute other fats and oils that are not as beneficial.
Sustainable Packaging: Companies are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact by using sustainable packaging materials. We’ve made a selection of drinks in glass bottles, as well as cookies in 100% recyclable aluminum tins. Alternatives to plastic such as corn based bioplastic are also being integrated and recyclable paper packaging.
Regional and Niche Products: Consumers are seeking out unique, locally-produced products with a story behind them. Italy is filled with niche products thanks to its rich heritage of primary ingredients and local traditions.
Artisanal Products: Handcrafted, high-quality products are gaining popularity as consumers look for a more authentic food experience. Italy’s rich heritage of artisanal items from basked goods, cheeses, sauces and pastas make it a top international exporter of artisanal foods.
Fermented Foods: This was the first edition of Cibus Connect where we have seen Kombucha presented. Fermented foods are gaining traction and Italian brands are following suit.
Bold Flavors: Consumers are looking for bolder, more adventurous flavors in their food, with a focus on global cuisine. Some of our favorites were Barolo wine infused tagliatelle pasta, truffle infused BBQ hot sauce and savoury Pizza and Parmigiano Reggiano flavored panettone.
Transparency: Consumers are demanding more transparency from food companies, with a focus on ingredients, sourcing, and production methods. Transparency is key to a sustainable, ethical supply chain and consumers are willing to pay more for products that are transparent with their environmental, social and agricultural impact.
Snacking: Snacking continues to be a popular trend, with consumers looking for healthy, portable options. Snacking continues to be a category that is growing and some interesting healthy snacks were presented such as apple chips and freshly squeezed fruit juices with no added sugar.
Mindful Eating: The trend towards mindfulness is extending to food, with consumers seeking out foods that promote mental and emotional wellbeing. One of the most important aspects of mindful eating is to stop and enjoy a meal. Italians are famous for “putting their feet under the table”, meaning having set meat times where meals are enjoyed with a specific pause of work and life to take into consideration the preparation and consumption of food. Rarely will you see Italians consuming food “on the go”. Mindful eating often starts with making time to properly prepare and eat a meal, even if in today’s culture that can seem like a waste of time.
By staying on top of these trends, companies can position themselves to meet the changing needs of consumers and stay ahead of the competition. At Cibus Connect, companies had the opportunity to learn more about these trends and how to incorporate them into their products and marketing strategies. We’re excited to see how these trends will shape the future of the food and beverage industry.
