Our Top 5 Food Trends From Anuga

Across industries, there’s been a unifying question on everyone’s mind — what’s in store for 2020? As we close out the second month of a new decade, change seems undeniable. Consumer preferences are evolving, technology is emerging, and continued innovation is paramount to success. More than ever, consumers find themselves in the drivers seat, with brands dutifully following their lead and anticipating their next move. So, perhaps the better question becomes, what can we learn from 2019? What do consumers want more of, what are they shifting away from, what trends are they setting?

It was precisely this mindset that lead us to the Anuga Cologne, which invites exhibitors and trade visitors from all over the world to recap the year we had and, quite literally, get a taste of the future. So, fellow foodies, what can we expect from the food industry this year? Grab a seat (and maybe some snacks), and read on to find out…

1. Sustainability

Sustainability has become a hot topic around the world, especially as it relates to the food we eat. Younger generations, with support from new government programs, are pushing brands to be more environmentally conscious, with eco-friendly production methods, supply chains, packaging, and more.

What role does the food system play in climate change? What can major brands do to reduce their environmental impact, while still making products we love? How can we, as consumers, reduce our food-related waste? As environmental concerns continue to heighten, sustainability will place a continued emphasis on local products and agriculture, due to the reduced demand of their supply chain. Even further, we’re witnessing the development of new sustainability ‘sponsorship’ certifications, which will help to inspire brand participation in eco-conscious practices, and inform consumer purchasing. Some notable ideas include smaller packaging options, such as half a loaf of bread, or a carton of 3 eggs rather than 6 or 12.

2. Protein

Protein has officially made it to centre stage, and not just for fitness lovers. Perhaps fuelled in part by the growing popularity of nutrition protocols like the ‘ketogenic diet’, food that offers consumers a healthy serving of protein is becoming especially in demand within the ‘snack’ category. We’re seeing an influx of ‘on-the-go’ products, functional beverages, pre/post workout products, and mid-day energy snacks. Of course, this includes the rather sudden wide-spread popularity of plant-based proteins, as well.

Visually, these products often appeal to the modern consumer’s desire for instant gratification, providing an eye-catching macro break-down or a hard-sell (in this case, grams of protein) right on the label. Consumers are increasingly health conscious, and becoming more informed in the realm of ingredients while expressing adversity to deceptive marketing. The primary take-away? Emphasize the good stuff (protein, limited sugar, etc.), but don’t get caught in a lie — packing should be clear, eye-catching, and honest. 

3. Snacks

Gone are the days of ‘traditional’ meal times. Perhaps influenced by the growing popularity of intermittent fasting protocol, or timing the demands of shift work, more consumers are eating at times that stretch beyond the traditional breakfast, lunch, or dinner timeframe. As such, there’s an increasing demand for on-the-go food, portable meals, indulgent snacks and premium products.

Consumers may crave convenience, but they don’t want it to come at the cost of quality or nutrition; as such, many of the products seeing success right now offer unique, artisanal, exotic ingredients coming from tangible origins. Subsequently, this means the development of products with rather interesting flavour profiles, and more novel offerings including insect-based products. In fact, this ties directly into the trends of sustainability and protein, as insects often represent a highly sustainable, protein-dense ingredient.

4. Functional Well-Being

Health is seemingly on everyone’s mind. Naturally, food brands are following suit, focusing on products that promote functional well-being and ‘bio-hacking’ capabilities. Specifically, this includes the addition of vitamins, superfoods or, in many cases, probiotics and live cultures.
As aforementioned, this trend also inspires an influx of claim-focused packaging, such as stating macros, or making health-related promises on the label of products. However, it’s important to note that the laws are more stringent in Canada, requiring approval from Health Canada, which limits brand bandwidth to make broad claims by enforcing strict industry regulations. 

5. Vegan Foods

Raise your hand if you’ve watched Game Changers on Netflix. If you have (and if it inspired a dietary change in your life), you certainly aren’t alone. As the research and promotion surrounding plant-based diets continues to grow, we’re witnessing exponential growth in the vegan food category, especially within city centres. This includes plant-based products, and products or grab-and-go options which combine meat and plant-based ingredients. Although ‘Beyond Meat’ products are leaving Tim Horton’s menus, Starbucks recently announced its launching the new Beyond Meat, Cheddar and Egg Sandwich at all locations nationwide. 

The primary fan-favourites? Vegan, plant-based chocolates and snack foods, which also tie back into sustainability. Speaking of sustainability, conversation surrounding the environmentally-taxiing process of almond milk production has seemingly created an opening for oat milk to take over the top spot. Does that mean almond milk is out, and oat milk is in? Hard to say, but I’ll keep sipping my oat milk latte in the meantime. 

Written by Rob Sraka our Owner and Founder