2020 Food and Beverage Trends

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Not so long-ago veganism was considered cult-like, an outlier behavior that many thought would endanger the health of the person. Now we are seeing real-life models for what strong, vibrant and vegan can look like.

Breakthroughs in ingredient technology have produced a number of new sweetener systems and custom proprietary blends.

The hunt for functional starches that perform beyond what traditional cereal-based starches deliver led to the development and use of starches from crops such as peas and chickpeas.

Specialty food curators at The Fresh Market have to make buys months in advance of when consumers will see the products on the shelves, so it is imperative they stay ahead of the curve and know what guests will be shopping for well in advance.  

Consumer expectations are a fast-moving target that influence innovation within the beverage industry.

“As the specialty food industry hits a record year of growth with $148.7 billion in sales, we’re seeing that health benefits and sustainability concerns will continue to drive more food and beverage trends in 2020,” said Denise Purcell, head of content for the SFA.

According to Innova Market Insights research, three in five global consumers say that stories around a brand influence their purchasing decisions, with the main reasons why consumers want this information given as learning where the ingredients come from, understanding the product’s benefits and engendering trust in the brand.

Each year, more than 50 Whole Foods Market team members including local foragers, regional and global buyers and culinary experts thoughtfully compile the report based on decades of experience and expertise in product sourcing, studying consumer preferences and participating in food and wellness industry exhibitions worldwide.