Recently, according to the International Food Information Council (IFIC), healthy drinks, probiotics and upcycled plant-based products will affect the food and beverage industry in 2023. Meanwhile, other major influencing factors identified by IFIC include food packaging, worker treatment and supply chains.
■ Supply chain
"Glocalization" refers to the interplay between globalization that respects and adapts to local needs and conditions. The U.S. has learned more about global supply chains and how factors such as pandemics and wars affect supply chains. Eighty-three percent of respondents to the 2022 Food and Health Survey said they had noticed an increase in the cost of food and beverages in the past year.
■ Upcycling plant-based food ingredients
Innovations in pasta, rice and snacks are also expected to be trends this year, according to IFIC. Many products will feature recycled and upcycled product claims, meaning some plant-based food ingredients that would normally go to waste are processed for use in other products.
■ Healthy drink
According to IFIC, by 2023 consumers will be looking for energy, mental health and gut health benefits in beverages. Caffeine replacement is one direction. An example is Yaon tea, a sweetened, low-caffeine alternative. The ingredient has been identified by Amazon.com Inc.'s Whole Foods Market as one of the businesses to watch this year. Additionally, the number of mocktails and non-alcoholic options will continue to grow.
■ Probiotics
Probiotics will expand beyond yogurt, appearing in chocolate, ice cream, juices, sauces and nutrition bars. In addition, beverages are also an option for probiotic and prebiotic applications. Over the past few years, several ingredient suppliers have been responding to consumer interest in probiotics.
■ Food packaging
Food packaging may be in the news in 2023, with natural and clean foods at the forefront. IFIC’s 2022 food and health survey found that 37% of respondents defined healthy food as fresh food, and other directions included low-sugar (32%) and high-quality protein (29%).
■ Worker treatment
Diversity, equity and inclusion could have a bigger impact on the industry. According to the 2022 IFIC survey, 45% of respondents said that treating workers fairly and equitably is important in their purchasing decisions. And the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines also emphasize the importance of diversity and cultural traditions in reaching more of the U.S. population.
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