At the beginning of the new year the interest of the food industry swiftly increases in new trends and developments that will shape the upcoming year. But when is a trend a trend? Often, especially in the snack industry, trend topics arise from an event or sharing on social media but fade away after a few weeks.
An important characteristic of a sustainable trend is its potential to solve current consumer problems or satisfy wants and desires. This makes it a longterm development, as this satisfaction persists. Paradise Fruits has been working on individual and sustainable solutions for products in the food industry, especially in the snack sector, for decades. Today, we share the trends we are keeping an eye on for the year 2024.
Table of contents
Plant-based
This trend is by no means new. However, the increased interest of consumers in plant-based nutrition is reshaping the market. Not only is the number of vegetarians and vegans in Germany (and globally) steadily increasing, but the consumption of plant-based alternatives is also on the rise.1 This, in turn, motivates the food industry to introduce creative and innovative plant-based products.
Naturally Natural
The popularity of natural foods continues to grow. The trend among consumers is to avoid artificial additives, unnecessary preservatives, flavor enhancers, or refined sugar – rightfully so. The desire for naturally delicious foods is reasonable and achievable. This is also realized by the big players in the industry. Visit our website for more information.
Power with Protein
Protein content is considered by many consumers as an indicator of a healthier product: 42% of global consumers state that protein is the crucial ingredient for them in making purchasing decisions. Therefore, protein-rich foods shape the introduction of new products.2 Many items highlight the protein content in grams on the front of the packaging to appeal to health-conscious consumers. When time is lacking for a regular meal, many people turn to protein-rich snacks as a healthy convenient alternative. The variety is no longer limited to shakes and bars; there are numerous creative approaches to incorporate animal or plant-based protein into snacks.
Getting Cozy with Mother Nature
Sustainability and similar aspects can be decisive factors in the competition between different products. It’s no wonder that “Nurturing Nature” has been identified as one of the key trends for the year 2024. An indicator of this is the impressive annual increase of 40% over the last four years in foods and beverages that in some way highlight their water consumption.
Priority Prevention
Recently the focus of many consumers has shifted towards personal well-being. More than a third states that they are actively interested in taking care of their health. At the same time, many advertising messages emphasize the importance of taking personal responsibility. Examples include aspects such as bone health and the cardiovascular system. Suitable products can be found at Paradise Fruits Health.
Avoiding Food Waste
Excessive food waste continues to be a significant issue, with around 11 tons produced per year in Germany alone.3 This awareness is growing among consumers, leading them to invest in products from the recycling economy. An example is products made from food that would normally end up in the trash, such as fruits with blemishes, dents, or unusual appearances, which can be processed into juice, pastes, or granulates.
Preferably Local
Due to the current climate awareness and challenges in supply chains during the pandemic, local cultivation has been a forward-thinking trend for some time. Sourcing raw materials locally with local production saves energy and costs associated with long-distance transportation and supports the local economy. This satisfies consumers and, ideally, benefits food and snack producers as well.
Snacking Instead of Meals
In a busy world there is less and less time for preparing elaborate meals. Particularly among younger consumers, the desire for substantial, healthy, and tasty snacks is increasing. In some cases, these snacks can even completely replace meals. Snacks need to offer a new level of innovation, creativity and individuality to resonate with consumers. A study also showed that late-night snacks are gaining importance.4
Sweet Priority: Soulfood
Indulging in delicious food, in harmony with a responsible (organic) diet: This trend captivates lovers of sweet treats in every situation.⁵ Whether it’s refreshing beverages, creamy ice cream or tempting sweets and desserts. There is always a wide range of flavorful vegan and plant-based alternatives. Fruity options include Paradise Fruits’ Fruit Shapes or Smoothee Drops from Paradise Fruits Freeze Dried.
Total Transparency
Consumer demand for more transparency and traceability in the value chain is steadily increasing. The focus is on disclosing animal welfare standards as well as the origin and production methods of products. The discussion about genetic engineering and personal freedom of choice remains a highly relevant topic.
Peach Fuzz
The color of the year 2024 is “Peach Fuzz,” perhaps one of the reasons why some experts, including those of the New York Times 6, consider peach as a trend fruit. Both the shade and the taste of peach will be at the forefront of many creations in 2024. The gentle pastel color and the full, fruity flavor can enhance a variety of snacks and foods, making them even more delicious.
New Formats
As snacks become increasingly popular, more and more companies are trying to reinterpret them to create a special snacking experience for consumers. New formats such as snack bites, balls, liquid versions, and miniature variations of traditional snacks can enhance the fun factor of snacks, making consumers remember them better. Healthier snacks like protein bars are also an interesting trend.
Botanicals
As an extension of wellness trends that include immune-boosting health properties, the year 2024 will specifically focus on botanicals and plant-based products, especially when creatively incorporated into the diet. In addition to bold and often unfamiliar flavors, these herbs, petals, or elixirs contain a wealth of health benefits such as vitamins and antioxidants. These can help reduce inflammation in the body, for example. Paradise Fruits has been incorporating botanicals for quite some time: In our Health product line, we package them into a finely fruity matrix for healthy and delicious Healthy Bites.
2024 will reveal which of these trends will prevail in the food and snack industry and which new ones will emerge. Some developments, such as the desire for natural, plant-based foods, are more long-term trends that will fundamentally change the food industry, while others have a current relevance and will particularly shape this year. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile for companies and product developers in the food and snack industry to incorporate current trends into their products. At Paradise Fruits, we look forward to supporting companies in these processes.
1. Datassential, Plant-based Report, 2023
2. Top Ten Trends 2024 von Innova Market Research
3. Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft, Lebensmittelabfälle in Deutschland, 2023
4. NPD Group CREST® Topline Report, Q3 2023
5. BIOFACH 2024 Trendjury
6. The New York Times, 9 Predictions of How We’ll Eat in 2024, 27, Dezember 2023
Image sources: Camille Brodard, charlesdeluvio, Chasse Sauvage, Emma-Jane Hobden, Jed Owen, LyfeFuel, Maddi Bazzocco, Pablo Merchán Montes von Unsplash
