New year, new food

With the arrival of December, it is now only a matter of weeks before the new year is upon us. With this in mind, I have been receiving lots of food predictions for 2015, so I’m using this week’s blog to round them up and inviting you to share your own food forecasts.

Innova Market Insights’ top ten trends likely to impact the food industry in 2015 and beyond are based on its ongoing analysis of key global developments in food and drink launch activity worldwide. In previous years, the company has been spot on, identifying trends such as sustainability in 2008 and the rise of free-from foods in 2010. So, what does it predict for 2015?

The move from clean to clear label heads up the list, as Lu Ann Williams, director of innovation at Innova Market Insights, explains, “The move from ‘clean’ to ‘clear’ labeling is a key trend for 2015, reflecting a move to clearer and simpler claims and packaging for maximum transparency.”

The remainder of the list includes predictions such as an increased prominence of snack foods, with formal mealtimes continuing to decline in popularity and growing numbers of foods and drinks being considered as snacks; the rise of protein, as ingredient suppliers, food producers and consumers are on the lookout for the next protein source; and new routes for fruit, with more product launches tracked with real fruit and vegetables, as they can function as colouring foodstuffs and in that role meet the increased demand for natural colours and flavours.

Comax Flavors has also been trend spotting, and has identified four areas likely to influence food and beverage development in 2015. These are:

• Melting pot – expect more versatile flavours catered towards a large and growing multicultural population and younger demographic. Flavours such as butterscotch curry and cherry yuzu are highlighted
• In a nutshell – more emphasis will be placed on nuts as they gain in popularity due to their nutritional properties, such as proteins, vitamins and minerals. Flavours such as pumpkin praline fudge and vanilla walnut fig could inspire manufacturers
• Breakfast anytime – drawing on Innova’s snack prediction, Comax also eludes to ‘snackification’, with consumers eating around the clock and no longer reserving breakfast for a morning meal. Flavours such as honey and banana oatmeal and strawberry coconut milk might prove popular for portable and convenient breakfast items
• Coffee house – with figures showing barista-style coffee drinks are gaining in popularity, coffee flavour combinations, such as cinnamon brew and Vietnamese iced coffee, could appeal to a wide audience.

Only time will tell what 2015 has in store for the food and drink industry. In the meantime, let me know your predictions below.