According to an article by Feast Magazine some of the key consumer trends to look out for in the food & drinks market this Spring include ‘functional foods, better-quality low and no-alcohol options and a surge in eco-friendly choices.’
Let’s take a look in a bit more detail at what these trends might look like in practice:
Functional Foods
We can expect to see a continued rise in the popularity of ‘fermented foods and products made using traditional methods’. According to Simon Atkins, an expert on the UK and EU bakery industry and advisor for the EU’s ‘More Than Only Food & Drink’ campaign, ‘As awareness around ultra processed food continues to gain momentum people place more focus on how the food they eat makes them feel from the inside out.’
Low and No-Alcohol Options
‘According to the IWSR, the overall no and low-alcohol segment showed volume growth of 47% from 2022 to 2023, with forecast volume CAGR of 19% from 2023 to 2028.
Neil McAndrew a wine industry consultant and advisor to the EU’s ‘More Than Only Food and Drink’ campaign says: “Moderation is increasingly a key factor for many consumers and there is a greater tendency to socialise without alcohol or opt for no and low alcohol alternatives. These changing habits are driving a surge of new wine related drinks with a leap in the quality and flavour profile available..’
Sustainable packaging
As well as seeking out sustainability in terms of their food and drink choices according to Neil McAndrew in 2025 consumers will be focusing ‘not just about the way that food is produced, packaging will be a key consideration too.’
Take a look at the full article here…