2018 Food & Beverage Industry Trends

The year opened with a number of people making predictions about the food and beverage manufacturing industry. As we enter the month of May, SYTE asks our readers, how are these trends playing out? Were the predictions correct?

FoodProcessing.com had seven recommendations to start the year, including preparing ‘glyphosate-free’ labeling, not investing in home delivery meal kits, and getting cyber secure.

FoodManufactuing.com noted trends in e-Commerce and online grocery, ‘free-from’ foods, and cold brew coffee.

In fact, the rise of cold brew coffee as a category is really a microcosm for the innovative food and beverage industry as a whole. Tapping into consumer demands, cold brew brands have exploded in recent years, taking advantage of expanding taste palates, artisanal and craft sensibilities and the desire for increased functionality.

Perhaps their biggest prediction, however, was that the incredible increase in mergers and acquisitions that occurred in 2017 would continue in 2018.

Lastly, Global Food Forums compiled their “list of lists” in industry trends for 2018, especially ones related to the three conferences that they organize. From emerging ingredients to trending food flavors and colors (pink!), these lists touch on emerging or continuing trends related to ingredients.

One trend that emerges from all three articles is that consumers are demanding increased personalisation and transparency from their food and beverage manufacturers.

What are your thoughts and observations of food trends in 2018 as we enter into Spring? Please comment below, or reach out to us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter.