WHAT’S UP… GLOBAL IN 2018 From ingredient scares to political bombshells, self-care has become a priority for many, and one that includes choosing food and drink that will address perceived nutritional, physical and emotional needs. Mintel global food and drink analyst Jenny Zegler explains. Opportunities will be plentiful for natural, tantalising and unexpected textures in 2018…from chewy beverages to cookies with popping candy inside. On the other hand, the rapid expansion in the variety of food and drink retail channels will fuel the opportunity for recommendations, promotions and product innovations that are personalised based on individual consumer behaviour. Finally, forward-looking companies are developing solutions to replace traditional farms and factories with scientifically engineered ingredients and finished products. So what’s about to happen this year? 6 ANNUAL DIRECTORY 2018 Full Disclosure…In our new post-truth reality, consumers require complete and total transparency from food and drink companies. Widespread distrust places pressure on manufacturers to offer thorough and honest disclosures about how, where, when and by whom food and drink is grown, harvested, made and/or sold. The need for reassurance about the safety and trustworthiness of food and drink has led to increased use of natural as well as ethical and pace of modern life, constant connectivity, pervasive distrust and contentious tones in politics and the media have caused many consumers to look for ways to escape negativity in their lives. Many people who feel overwhelmed are focusing on ‘selfcare’, or prioritising time and efforts dedicated to themselves. Looking ahead, individual definitions of self-care and balance will reinforce the need for a variety of formats, formulations and portion sizes of food and drink that present consumers with positive solutions — and treats — that can be incorporated into their customised and flexible definitions of health and wellness. More consumers will be looking for ingredients, products and combinations of food and drink that provide nutrition, physical or emotional benefits that advance their priorities for self-care. New Sensations…Texture is the latest tool to engage the senses and deliver share-worthy experiences. In 2018, the sound, feel and satisfaction that texture provides will become more important for food and drink companies and consumers alike. Texture is the next facet of formulation that can be leveraged to provide consumers with interactive — and documentation-worthy — experiences. The quest for experiences will provide opportunities for multi-sensory food and drink that uses unexpected texture to provide consumers, especially the teens and young adults of the iGeneration, with tangible connections to the real world, as well as moments worth sharing either in person or online. Preferential Treatment…A new era in personalisation is dawning due to the expansion of online and mobile food shopping. As technology helps to make shopping as effortless as possible, an era of targeted promotions and products is emerging. Motivated by the potential to save time and ideally money, consumers are sampling a variety of channels and technologies when shopping for food and drink, including home delivery, subscription environmental claims in global food and drink launches. In addition to more specific product details, the next wave of clean label will challenge manufacturers and retailers to democratise transparency and traceability so that products are accessible to all consumers regardless of household income. Self-Fulfilling Practices…As more consumers find modern life to be hectic and stressful, flexible and balanced diets will become integral elements of self-care routines. The frantic
FT-Annual Directory 2018-eMag
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