5 Food Trends to Watch

The monitoring committee at FoodMinds, a division of Padilla, have been tracking and analyzing trends in the food, beverage and nutrition industry throughout 2018. Discussion surrounding issues of food safety, new technology and sustainability are all taking center stage as the year draws to a close.

Here are five of the most prominent food trends of the year, and how they’ll continue to shape the food industry in 2019.

Trend 1: Food Safety is a Growing Concern for Industry and Consumers

Food safety issues are impacting food manufacturers, retailers and consumers due to the occurrence of food recalls. Industry is responding with increased transparency and preventative measures.

As food recalls and food safety issues continue to appear in the media, industry and government are moving faster to ease consumers concerns. Industries seem to be stepping up internal efforts to address food safety concerns before they are regulated to increase transparency in the food system.

Trend 2: Technology is Driving Innovation in the Food Industry

Tech innovations are driving the personalized nutrition trend and large food companies are partnering with smaller start-up firms.

Companies large and small are forming mutually beneficial relationships driven by technology to provide more customized and innovative products and services for consumers.

Trend 3: Uncertainty Still Surrounds Bioengineered Foods and Lab Grown Meat 

Bioengineered foods remain a hot topic as industry and government agencies seek to regulate and define GMOs and plant-based meats amidst growing consumer concern.

Currently, there are more questions than answers surrounding bioengineered foods and lab grown meat as consumers, industry and government continue to weigh in on the issue

Trend 4: Sustainability and Nutrition Converge for Greater Impact

Sustainability across food supply chains continues to differentiate food and farm businesses, as many consumers are increasingly interested about these commitments from the private sector and new research identifies a pressing need to adapt to environmental concerns.

Sustainable food systems continue to be a part of the conversation and actions at a local, regional and global scale, with the public and private spheres both playing important roles.

Trend 5: The Political Roundup: Progress in Advancing Nutrition Policies while Farm Bill Continues to Stall

Nutrition policy efforts continue to rapidly evolve, with a focus on encouraging the industry to innovate healthier products and empowering consumers to make better and more informed decisions about their diets and health.  Industry involvement in these efforts remains prominent.

This article first appeared in Food Thoughts. View the full article here.

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