Sophisticated Snacking
Nostalgic childhood flavors that bring adults back into a more carefree, youthful moment (think S’mores flavored churros or PB&J ice cream) may have had their time in the sun. Recently, it seems that the trend is going the other way – with manufacturers going after more sophisticated taste profiles and presenting them in kid-friendly formats. Using data gathered from AI-driven flavor prediction service Capchavate, Asian Consumer Intelligence explores how these “grown-up” variants are appearing across a variety of formats usually associated with a younger demographic.
Caught Up on Carbon Consciousness
Manufacturers and retailers in the F&B industry have long heeded the call for driving change through sustainability and championing environmental advocates. What has significantly grown over the past year, however, is just how much noise these companies are making in terms of their PR and marketing campaigns on mitigating carbon footprint at all points in their production chain. Now, more than ever, we’re seeing a bigger trend on “visible sustainability.” Best-practices and green innovations are playing a bigger part of the brand story and climate conscious messages are getting louder.
When Vegan Becomes Mainstream
As the plant-based revolution continues its upward trajectory in 2020, we witness its impact on a rapidly evolving food & beverage industry adapting to the demands of increasingly “conscious” consumers. According to Euromonitor International, the plant-based meat substitute market alone is set to hit US$15.8 billion in 2020. With vegan-related trends dominating 2020 predictions from Whole Foods, Uber Eats, Innova Market Insights and Business Insider among other media resources, it comes as no surprise that we’re seeing new evidence that pushes for more products, menus and innovations that support this green movement. Strategic research and trend forecasting consultancy Asian Consumer Intelligence, with data support from flavor database Capchavate, puts an ear to the ground in the Asia Pacific region and tackles these of-the-moment trends in the vegan category.
Complete Food Solutions
Nutritionally-dense total meal alternatives have been rising in popularity, particularly in markets such as the US and UK. English-brand Huel, cleverly abbreviating “Human Fuel,” has made a global name in offering convenience with bottled complete meals that offer measured amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fats in vegan-friendly formats. California-made Soylent features a similar range of RTD beverages, powders and bars that pride itself in making nutrition more accessible to everyone through their micro and macro profile enhanced collection.
Keeping It Fresh
Updated shelf stable formats change perceptions on preserved convenience food.Freezing or refrigeration is one modern convenience that has not only changed the way we package, sell and consume food, it has also shifted the way we perceive food products in terms of how healthy or “fresh” they seem to be. In a way, items such as fruits, vegetables and other perishables tend to be regarded higher than chilled and frozen counterparts.
Fresh Takes on Fiber-Rich Food & Beverages
The healthy lifestyle revolution continues to evolve with better-for-you alternatives, cleaner ingredients and functional food options. This includes fiber-rich food and beverages—presented in updated, innovative, and convenient ways—that offer various health benefits. These days, the quest to live a healthy lifestyle is made a little easier with the many food options that allow for better and cleaner choices. From meat-free meat and CBD-infused drinks to probiotic elixirs and lab-grown dairy, wholesome food and beverages are only becoming more inventive.