Explore more 2024 Expert Predictions

Trust the Process

Scrutiny of processing use in the food and drink industry is intensifying. Fueled by discussions about highly, overly or ultra-processed food, feelings about processing will inspire consumers to look more closely at ingredients, nutrition and production.

A growing awareness of different levels of processing will make way for greater potential for minimally processed food and drink that focus on the positive aspects of food-processing techniques, such as those that enhance nutrition, inhibit contaminant formation or improve sustainability.

Brands offering minimally processed products should share how processing improves their products—such as enhancing nutrition, increasing shelf life or reducing environmental impact. While those producing ultra-processed food and drink products will need to remind consumers of the joy and comfort they offer. Expect to see a growing interest in less processed food and drink made with upcycled ingredients rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and other nutrients.

Age Reframed

“Generation X* is pioneering a new approach to healthy aging that includes products that will help them thrive in their diverse lifestyles now and for decades to come.

Consumers aged 40 and over account for the most significant share of food and drink spending in many markets globally—meaning brands cannot ignore this forgotten generation. Learning from the “menopausal revolution,” brands should consider their various nutritional, physical, mental and emotional health needs and innovate products and formulations for issues such as cardiovascular health, brain health and stress. They can help promote healthy aging by ensuring nutrient-rich food and drink is affordable, accessible and convenient for all “active agers.”

Consumers will welcome brands that ease the stress of caring for multiple generations; the winners will be those who offer convenient products and helpful tools for caregivers and those they care for.

Eating, Optimized

Convenience has always been an evolving concept, but the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated consumers’ desires to find shortcuts to quality food and drink experiences in their day-to-day lives.

Technology like AI and AR will exist on a spectrum, helping them find their ideal balance between the occasions when they desire to create truly innovative and engaging dishes, drinks and snacks and when meal planning, shopping, cooking, or even eating can be put on autopilot. AI, AR and other technology tools are set to become non-negotiable time savers in the kitchen.

For retailers, developments will come in the form of real-time shopping assistance, such as push notifications, personalized alerts and AI that could help consumers find ingredients or products while in stores, in transit or shopping online. Localized data could unveil new opportunities for customized vending selections that respond to the needs within a community, such as the desire for quick, hot meals on college campuses.

Reference
*Consumers born between around 1965 and 1979

Jenny Zegler is director, Mintel Food & Drink. Mintel is the expert in what consumers want and why. As the world’s leading market intelligence agency, our analysis of consumers, markets, new products and competitive landscapes provides a unique perspective on global and local economies. Since 1972, our predictive analytics and expert recommendations have enabled our clients to make better business decisions faster. Our purpose is to help businesses and people grow.

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