The past few years have seen strong innovation and development across the wider spectrum of meal solutions. Of course, that’s been driven by online meal and meal prep subscription services such as Blue Apron, Home Chef, Sun Basket, Hello Fresh, Freshly, and others.

Don't have a travel passport on hand? That's okay. There’s an ever-growing selection of foods and beverages—both at restaurants and on retail supermarket shelves—to offer bolder ethnic flavors and multi-sensory food experiences.

With rising disposable incomes and an increasing tendency to regard pets as part of the family, it is not surprising that the trends apparent in the market for human prepared foods—led by interests in health, snacking and indulgence—also should be increasingly apparent in pet foods sector.

Sugar reduction efforts from food and beverage processors include product reformulations, as well as new offerings with reduced sugar or zero sugar content.

Here's an example of a food and beverage category flexing its muscle. The concept of "active nutrition" is developing more widely as interest spreads beyond the traditional core base of bodybuilders, endurance athletes and high-level sportsmen.

It's fall, a time when outdoor plants slow down in advance of winter. Then again, you could say the plant-based foods market still is in its budding, spring season.

Artisan products have a new position in the US market as more consumers express interest about what's in their foods and drinks—as well as where and how those items are produced.

Mindful consumers continue to catalyze changes in the way that companies formulate, package and label new foods and beverages. These shoppers increasingly want to know what is in their foods and drinks—and they're using that information to make related decisions about personal health, sustainability and even ethical issues.

All of these consumers are looking to improve nutritional intake and/or some aspects of health, wellbeing, performance, muscle growth and recovery from exercise. Of course, the sports nutrition market also is growing because of rising product distribution in mainstream outlets in all major markets. Previously, many products were relegated to sales through specialist health outlets (such as GNC) gyms and health clubs.

Seeds and grains may be small in size—but they drive some large food and beverage trends. That's all because consumers are increasingly aware of the nutritional properties of seeds and grains (and, in particular, ancient grains).