Top 10 Trends in the Food and Beverage Industry

1. What is the Food and Beverage Industry? 

The Food and Beverage Industry is large, diverse, and full of specialized machinery. It’s one of the oldest industries on the planet but still full of innovation. 

From new products to higher-volume, lower-cost production techniques, this industry is always looking for new ways to produce the food consumers want at the best possible price. 

And vital equipment is there every step of the way. From simple ovens and conveyor belts to complex bottling and packaging machines, the food and beverage industry depends on equipment for industrial-scale food production. 

2. Top 10 Trends in the Food and Beverage Industry 

1. Indian street food

The Asian street food trend has been around for quite some time. 

Over the past decade, Asian concept restaurants have had a good run for their money. 

But as different variations of Thai, Vietnamese, or Korean BBQ shops and restaurants reach their prime, people are looking for new types of cuisines and combinations. With master chefs traveling around the world and bringing back new spices, flavors and textures, and introducing them into traditional recipes inspired by peasant food markets, there is a new star on the horizon that could help the industry in filling any ‘after Asia cravings’.

Welcome to Indian cuisine. With one of the most diverse culinary landscapes, India will provide plenty of options. 

The use of aromatic spices, fruits, and vegetables that are grown across this fertile country requires skill and mastery to avoid spoiling a dish. India’s vast geography and different demographic regions, all with their own traditions relating to their local cuisines, each with great differences in cooking techniques and cooking utensils, is just what the food and beverage industry needs right now. 

2. Alcohol-free beverages 

In recent years, alcohol consumption has risen, resulting in a 6% increase in the alcohol beverage market. However, this increase in indulgence has led to something of an overcorrection. Now, movements like Sober October and Dry January are hot trends. 

While nearly 34% of American adults are sober, an additional 20% are sober-curious, opening up a large market for restaurants with nonalcoholic options. By including alcohol-free drinks like mocktails and nonalcoholic beer, sober and sober-curious diners can enjoy a drink without feeling left out. 

3. Values and Ethics 

2018 will be increasingly about connecting with consumers on different levels. More and more customers will look beyond the product itself as a standalone purchase and take into account values such as ethics and transparency. 

Therefore, how companies demonstrate their commitment to their missions and visions will become increasingly important in the future. 

4. Health-focused Desserts

People will always love to indulge. However, it’s no secret that people are more health-conscious than ever. As a result, it’s becoming increasingly common for diners to skip the dessert menu altogether. Introducing some healthy dessert options on the dessert menu can keep those sales from being lost. 

Avocado is a very trendy ingredient, and its creamy texture and neutral taste lend themselves to tasty desserts. 

Creating a healthy menu item is less about health than it is about reducing the guilt of indulgence. By highlighting one or two healthy ingredients, you can transform your dessert menu. 

5. Coffee alternatives

From oat milk lattes to iced americanos, coffee is a daily ritual for 58% of Americans. 

Coffee alternatives are far from a new concept. Such products as green tea, matcha, and kombucha have all had, or are continuing to have, their moments. That said, coffee alternatives, such as green tea, and matcha, typically have caffeine. 

Spicy teas, such as ginger-turmeric and peppermint, offer a range of health benefits that many consumers find appealing. 

Golden Milk is one of the trendiest caffeine-free beverages. With a base of warm plant or animal-based milk, Golden Milk boasts the many health benefits of turmeric, its main spice, as well as other spices, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. 

6. Affordable Nutrition 

Over the past 12 months, 62% of consumers have reported a noticeable rise in the cost of their food and beverages. As a result, they are turning their attention to simple but nutritious goods that are affordable. 

Consumers are actively looking for affordable ways to maintain a healthy diet, offering brands many opportunities to test their capabilities to new limits. 

To meet the nutritional, environmental and economic demands of consumers, manufacturers must innovate to extract maximum value from raw materials and the production process. 

7. Meat-free 

UK vegans-people avoiding all animal products numbered 3.5 million in April 2018, up from 150,000 in 2006, according to a recent article in The Independent. A new category called “flexitarians” has popped up as well. Flexitarians choose certain days or meals to avoid eating meat. 

Animal welfare is the primary reason for these dietary choices. Consumers want to know if their meat and dairy come from humane farms. In 2018, 65% of meat shoppers said traceability is essential to them. 

8. Buy local 

Consumers want fresh and local foods. 

People are more concerned about climate change than ever before. One-fifth of consumers would choose brands with a clear sustainability vision over others. 

This ‘shop local’ trend ensures that people eat the freshest ingredients. In addition, it helps reduce carbon emissions linked to climate change.

9. Purpose-driven food service

One of the 2022 trends in the food and beverage industry is gaining a lot of steam is purpose-driven restaurants. 

Many restaurants have embraced social causes since the early days of the pandemic, including foodservice championing causes related to social justice, environmental issues, or a cause that supports their workers and/or is food related. 

Aligning to a purpose can help restaurants build a stronger connection to their employees and MIllennial and Gen Z consumers who are interested in where their food comes from and how it’s made. 

10. Instagram-able meals

Consumers want trendy, visually appealing foods and drinks

It’s not only famous foodies influencing the public. Millions of people photograph their meals and drinks to share their favorite finds. Colorful, interesting new foods and drinks posted online catch on quickly. Trends like sparkly mermaid toast and unicorn Frappuccinos generate buzz overnight. 

Social media sites constantly lift “in vogue” ingredients from near-obscurity. 

Just a few years ago, few consumers had heard of aquafaba, chia seeds, or sea vegetables. Now, they’re becoming mainstream. 

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