The report demonstrates that overall interest in the environment is intensifying. In 2020, an average 21% of consumers globally said that environmental factors had become more important to them. Going into 2021, as many as one-third of respondents intend to improve their environmental impact over the year. Generally, consumers are becoming much more aware of the food they eat, where it comes from and its overall impact on the planet as well as carbon footprint.

This January brings the launch of EverGrain, a sustainable ingredient company that is revolutionizing the use of barley to deliver highly nutritious, great tasting protein and fiber barley-based ingredients to the world. With a tenacious commitment to sustainability through circularity, the new company uses proprietary processes to realize the full potential of barley, and to deliver products that are better for people and better for the planet.

In addition to the look back at the trending grocery purchases of 2020, Kroger unveiled its top seven food trend predictions for 2021, thoughtfully curated by its culinary experiences team and Our Brands product developers, chefs and innovators.

Wicked Foods, a plant-based food brand and UK market leader in plant-based meals, snacks and ingredients has announced the Summer 2021 launch of its pioneering product line in the US. The brand was created by world-renowned chefs and brothers Derek and Chad Sarno, who are recognized globally for their innovative approach to delicious chef-driven, plant-based cuisine.

Times change, and so do consumers’ tastes. After all, there’s a reason the phrase “flavor of the month” exists. Capturing interest, and the harder job of holding onto it, is a constant challenge for food and beverage producers. 

JUST, a company that applies cutting-edge science and technology to create healthier, more sustainable foods, announced a host of partnerships to manufacture and distribute its award-winning JUST Egg across North America, Latin America, Europe and East Asia.

The announcement of the award winners comes shortly after the UN Climate Summit in New York and Impossible Foods’ worldwide debut in grocery stores in both New York and Southern California. Creating a more sustainable food system is core to the international architecture of progress on climate change. Impossible Foods is adding a powerful tool for climate action.

“All of the startups we watched at FoodBytes! Chicago showcased some of the most innovative solutions we have seen yet when it comes to building a more nutritious and sustainable food supply,” said Darren Streiler, investment director, ADM Ventures, who served as a judge on the panel.

Over the past several months, interested companies have analyzed their value chains, from farm to fork, to identify the most impactful levers to protect and nurture biodiversity.

When making food and beverage purchase decisions based on the environment, packaging is most visible to consumers. One in 10 US adults, or roughly 20 million consumers, said that they have switched to a different food or beverage brand because it had earth-friendly packaging.