The Specialty Food Association’s Trendspotter Panel, composed of experts from various areas of the specialty food industry, has unveiled its predictions for 2024, reflecting a focus on maximizing pleasure and minimizing stress.
Denise Purcell, VP of resource development at SFA, emphasized that these trends aim to enhance enjoyment while reducing life’s pressures, including addressing environmental concerns and improving health and well-being. Here’s a summary of the 2024 trend predictions:
Beverage Boom
Beverages are set to take center stage in 2024, with an emphasis on sophisticated, non-alcoholic fizzy and non-fizzy drinks, along with functional coffees, teas, and broths for energy, clarity, and relaxation. Expect minimal additives, tropical flavors, and global botanicals.
Cell-Based Meat & Seafood
Ethical and sustainable production methods will drive the popularity of cell-based meat and seafood, offering consumers a familiar taste experience. Plant-based seafood will also see growth, with companies working on animal-free products.
Peach Revival
Peach as a flavor and ingredient will make a comeback in various culinary applications, adding excitement to both traditional and contemporary dishes.
Calabrian Chili Peppers
These bright-flavored chili peppers will be featured in a wide range of products, offering a cultural alternative to more common pepper varieties.
Tahini’s Rise
Tahini will continue to gain recognition as a versatile flavor, appearing in foods and beverages beyond its traditional Middle Eastern applications.
Soup’s Enduring Popularity
Soups, broths, and soup-related products will remain popular, driven in part by trends on social media platforms like TikTok.
Asian Flavor Evolution
Iconic Asian flavors such as black sesame, ube (purple yam), and milk tea will become more mainstream and find their way into various food formats.
Value-Centric Choices
Given consumers’ financial considerations, products that offer versatile uses, flavor enhancement, and longer shelf life will resonate with shoppers.
In addition to these emerging trends, several ongoing trends are set to continue:
- Global Flavor Exploration: Consumers will explore diverse regional ingredients and recipes, connecting with cultural experiences through food.
- Elevated Convenience: Convenience-driven products and shortcuts for food preparation will continue to be in demand, both at home and on-the-go.
- Upscaling the Everyday: Consumers will elevate their everyday meals with high-quality ingredients, enhancing their dining experiences.
- Environmental Impact: Sustainability, carbon footprint, and food waste concerns will remain priorities as consumers seek regenerative and sustainably packaged products.
- Mushroom Mania: Mushrooms will continue to feature prominently in various food and beverage categories, addressing relaxation, mood, and brain health.
These exciting trends, along with many others, will be showcased at the 2024 Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas.
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