Food and drink trends for 2019

Bolder flavours, plant-based foods and alternatives are just some of the big trends that will dominate food and drink next year, according to market research firm Innova Market Insights.

Innova’s annual top 10 trends in food and drink chart the innovations and developments that manufacturers will want to keep their eyes on in the year ahead.

“Targeting increasingly adventurous consumers, set on new discoveries and experiences, will be key to developments in the food and beverage industry in 2019,” said Innova.

“The connected world has led consumers of all ages to become more knowledgeable of other cultures, contributing to 35% growth of ‘discovery’ claims, when comparing 2017 and 2016 new product launch numbers.”

Innova has revealed details about five of the top 10 trends for 2019, with the remaining five being analysed in a live webinar on Wednesday. Click the next slide in this photogallery to discover the top trends that will be dominating food and drink in 2019.

Innova’s top 10 food and drink trends for 2019

Bolder flavours, plant-based foods and alternatives are just some of the big trends that will dominate food and drink next year, according to market research firm Innova Market Insights.

Innova’s annual top 10 trends in food and drink chart the innovations and developments that manufacturers will want to keep their eyes on in the year ahead.

“Targeting increasingly adventurous consumers, set on new discoveries and experiences, will be key to developments in the food and beverage industry in 2019,” said Innova.

Innova predicted that the food and beverage industry would be increasingly focused on satisfying the adventurous consumer.

“Consumers are moving out of their comfort zones to explore bolder flavours and multisensory food experiences,” said Innova. “There is a focus on heightened sensory delivery, often combined with an element of the unexpected.”

With the plant-based market showing no signs of slowing down, Innova sees companies and brands ‘greening up’ their portfolios to attract mainstream consumers who want to add more plant-based options into their diets.

“For many, going plant-based is about achieving a healthy and sustainable balance between meat and vegetables, rather than adopting an all-or-nothing way of eating,” it said.

Trend three: Alternative to all (Rafa Irusta Machin)

As more consumers pay attention to health and sustainability, replacement foods and ingredients will be on the rise. Health will remain the number one reason to buy food alternatives, with this being consumers’ main reason for buying alternatives to bread, meat or dairy.

“The search for alternative proteins has resulted in a rising use of black beans, lentils, peas, rice, nuts & seeds, chickpea, and even insects, as protein ingredients for foods,” added Innova.

Manufacturers will be expected to continue answering consumer expectations around sustainability. This will drive corporate goals, as manufacturers commit to sustainable product and packaging development with a range of initiatives.

Innova said: “This includes waste reduction through upcycled ingredients and post-consumer recycling, as well as improved biodegradability and new technology, such as compostable capsules and vegetable inks.”

Trend five: Snacking, the Definitive Occasion

As consumers change the way they snack and what they consider a snack, snacking no longer will be an optional extra, but a “definitive occasion”.

“It is a central focus of innovation across all food and beverage categories, with 10% average annual growth of global food and beverage launches with a snacking claim over the past five years,” said Innova.