2018 Food and Beverage Trends

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Latin flavors are experiencing a strong upward surge, for good reason. There already are large parts of the US (especially California, Texas, and New Mexico) in which non-Hispanics are the minority. US Census Bureau data indicate that by mid-century, about a third of the population will be comprised of persons of Latin/Hispanic background. (Meanwhile, the Caucasian population is expected to drop from around 62% to about 56%.)

The most common functions included immune support, increased energy, enhanced beauty, detox and improved cognition. Examples include a range of wellness shots by brands like Vive, Nootra and Brain Juice, and functional product lines by brands like Coffee Blenders, Tea Riot, and Beauty and Go. 

Four of the 10 trends involve (1) the growing industry for functional cannabis-based products, (2) indoor farming at the home and industrial levels, (3) declining per-capita alcohol consumption and (4) a new future for center store, shelf-stable foods through e-commerce.

Driving retail pizza sales are a host of new frozen products embracing all trends—different tastes, premium new toppings and healthier new options. Likewise, retailers appear to be allocating more shelf space and expanding the category with new pizza snack options.

Advances in ingredient technology are opening new corridors to make the addition of botanicals into foods and beverages easier and more cost-effective.

SENA is the premier seafood buying event in North America with over 1,300 seafood vendors vying for the attention of the nearly 26,000 seafood product and services buyers from leading retail, restaurants, foodservice and processing channels seeking innovative new products. Overlying themes of innovation observed at the show focused on sustainability, convenience, authenticity, and health benefits. 

Confections and snacks often share usage occasions, but one thing they do not share is rosy growth prospects. While confectionery has struggled, snacks have gained.

Last year saw Winfrey join forces with The Kraft Heinz Company to launch O, That's Good, an eight-item line of refrigerated soups and sides.

Meat and poultry products are consumer favorites, food industry mainstays, and protein powerhouses—all factors that will keep the US industry for animal protein growing despite challenges from plant protein alternatives, according to market research firm Packaged Facts.