More people in agriculture are beginning to fully define and incorporate sustainability into their work; however, a new report that focused on consumer buying trends proves that sustainability is already a significant driver when it comes to food choices.
According to food and beverage consulting company the Hartman Group, these trends will inform food choices moving forward.
Laurie Demeritt, CEO of The Hartman Group, says they're seeing consumers prioritizing health, wellness, environmental sustainability, social justice, and their overall food and beverage consumption.
With that being said, here are five food trends to pay attention to.
Gut Health
Consumers are becoming more aware of the microbiome of the gut as the root of wellness and its connection to cognitive well-being as well as immunity.
Plastic
Innovative packaging solutions that are plastic neutral are a growing area of interest, with consumers looking for ways to reduce their plastic footprint.
Regenerative Agriculture
Analysts are reporting that consumer awareness of the sustainability challenges of modern agriculture is spreading. Consumers are looking at big-picture issues like climate change, soil health, and overall soil fertility.
Experience Retail
This is a trend focusing on exceeding customer expectations in today's shoppable universe. In essence, "experience retail" prioritizes discovery and engagement.
Upcycled and Equitable
This trend focuses on ethically sourced products and how they're becoming more and more important to consumers who see them as a way to restore ecosystems, as well as mitigate climate change and reduce food waste in general.
"Companies that can successfully leverage these trends will be able to stand out and secure future growth." - Laurie Demeritt, CEO of The Hartman Group.
