These Hot Trends Are Changing the Face of the Food Industry
The food industry has recently undergone many changes on the manufacturing and packaging fronts. These 3 hot trends will revolutionize the industry in 2025!
By 2017, the packaged food industry was worth about $377 billion. Since then, the industry has continued to maintain its growth. Yet, new trends have shaped the way the industry develops new products for its customers. New challenges have also lead to improvements in manufacturing and development.
Several growing trends are currently shaping the industry as we know it. Today, this includes plant-based foods, sustainable packaging, and new technology.
Find out how these three trends affect manufacturing and how they will continue to shape the food industry.
1. Plant-Based Foods
Between 2018 and 2018, plant-based foods surged with an 11% growth in grocery sales. The food market as a whole is taking note of new consumer behavior. Companies are integrating plant-based foods in everything from fast food to gourmet restaurants.
Consumers are turning to plant-based foods for a variety of reasons. For one, it’s the latest health trend. Recent studies have shown that the long-term effects of eating beef can lead to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and more.
Researchers are discovering information about the meat industry’s effects on the environment. The meat industry is producing more greenhouse gases that have negative effects. Using this information, they’re changing their eating habits. Even if customers aren’t looking to cut out meat, they’re opting for meatless days or alternatives.
2. Sustainable Packaging
The movement toward sustainable food is also leading to the growth of sustainable packaging. The packaged food industry has a clear opportunity to innovate new packaging ideas. Customers are looking for guilt-free packaging. They want to replace products like plastic straws, Styrofoam, and more.
Sustainable packaging might end with the consumer, but it all starts with green manufacturing. Companies are beginning to develop new processes where they can use 40-90% less energy consumption.
3. AI and Machine Learning Technology
For most food companies, it’s easy to jump on new trends like plant-based foods and sustainable packaging. The real challenge is competing against all the other producers to capture consumers’ attention.
One way that food industries are beginning to gain more leverage is through AI and personalization. Using machine learning, companies can create user profiles that predict what the real customer wants. AI is set to become an important method for companies to understand customer behavior and new trends.
What to Expect From the Current Food Industry
Food industry trends are constantly changing. By understanding its customers, the manufacturing industry can scale up. Companies will need to meet the growing demand for new products.
Moving forward, we can expect to see new and improved technology in the manufacturing space. Sustainability initiatives will continue to grow, and customers will expect more healthy offerings. Through ongoing global changes, delivery is becoming a bigger priority for all restaurants and fast food. Sustainable packaging in delivery will become the next forefront in innovating renewable options.
At JSK Recruiting, we help the manufacturing industry scale up to meet new trends and growing demand. Contact us today to learn more about the latest trends and find employees who can help grow your business.
