At a time when people's food preferences are rapidly changing, keeping up with market trends can be pretty challenging. Here's where Australian based, Chelsea Ford steps in.
Chelsea is behind the remarkably successful annual Foodpreneurs Festival and she's shed light on 'the shifting sands of customer interests', particularly with non-animal and beverage products. Through direct interactions with retailers and observations at this years sell-out festival, Chelsea Ford's team pinpointed what's currently capturing the attention of supermarket buyers.
"Hearing direct feedback from buyers, and knowing what they’re loving at the moment, is not easy to come by," Chelsea explains. "But my Foodpreneurs Festival team found out exactly after speaking with retailers and seeing what products and categories they’re stocking after discovering brands at the Festival."
The festival has become a crucial platform for unveiling new trends and preferences within the food industry. Here’s a breakdown of the popular categories that's 'in' with buyers right now:
Health and Wellness: A standout category, featuring products like Seaweed Seasonings, Popped Water Lily Seed Snacks, and Probiotic Kombucha. These selections highlight a significant tilt towards health-conscious choices, focusing on snacks and supplements not only nutritious but also packed with antioxidants and probiotics.
Sustainability: With offerings such as Powdered Oat Milk and Organic Fruit Bites, sustainability remains a hot trend. These products, characterised by their minimal environmental impact and organic ingredients, cater to the growing demand for Earth Friendly options.
Convenience + Quality: Ready-to-eat products like Pasta and Pasta Sauce, coupled with Instant Smoothies, highlight the need for quality food solutions suiting busy lifestyles without compromising on nutritional value.
Ethical and Clean Ingredients: The preference for ethically sourced items like chocolate and healthy snacks, free from harmful preservatives, reflects increasing consumer awareness towards clean and responsible food consumption.
Innovative and Functional Foods: This category includes intriguing options such as confectionery with therapeutic benefits and energy Chewing Gum, which not only satisfies taste buds but also give health benefits.
Beverage Trends: The shift towards non-alcoholic beverages and probiotic Kombucha underlines a growing interest in healthier drink options offering both taste and wellness benefits.
Source: Foodpreneurs Festival
These insights from the Foodpreneurs Festival illustrate a clear consumer gravitation towards products supporting a healthy, sustainable, and convenient lifestyle. With an expanding interest in functional foods and innovative beverages, the landscape of consumer goods continues to evolve, reflecting broader societal shifts towards health and sustainability.
For more information about the Foodpreneurs Festival as well as securing early access to tickets for next year's event in Melbourne then CLICK HERE.
ENDS:
Comments