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How are Food Industry Innovators Meeting Consumer Needs?

Plant-based protein is still a big topic in the food industry and reducing waste and responsible packaging are the top related-trends for food packaging, according to New Hope Network.

White Leaf Provisions Baby Food
White Leaf Provisions Baby Food
New Hope Network

Amanda Hartt, Lead Market Analyst for NEXT Data & Insights and New Hope Network, and Adrienne Smith, Senior Food Business Reporter for New Hope Network, discussed top trends in the food industry, and how (and which) brands are innovating based on changing consumer values at the virtual Spark Brand Success event last week.

Macro Trend: Plant

According to Smith, “This is a big force fueling change in the US food industry. Consumers are increasingly waking up to the social, environmental, and health benefits of plant-based foods.”

·      Hodo – innovating tofu for new applications as a meat substitute.

·       Miyoko's Creamery – cashew-based cheese alternatives.

·       Lavva – Pili nut and plantain-based yogurt.


Read: Orgain Grows with New Plant-Based Nutrition Powder


Macro Trend: Time-Honored Heritage IngredientsRumi spices from AfghanistanRumi spices from AfghanistanNew Hope Network

“Brands are leading with unique ingredients from around the world that either are unique in culture or unique in terraflora…not only are these brands culturally rich, but they're giving back and impacting the communities through which they source from,” said Hartt. This trend is “resurfacing traditions and ancient practices from around the world that have preservation techniques, that slow things down, and retain nutrition as a response to overly processed foods.”

·       AYO Foods - formulating frozen meals with egusi, which is ground melon seeds from Liberia.

·       Rumi Spice - working with small farmers in Afghanistan to support an economically driven rural development in Afghanistan with saffron and other spices.

·       Amlu - Moroccan style nut butter infused with Omega rich argan oil.

Macro Trend: Protein Power

Meat-alternative sources of protein that are new, or modified legacy proteins like soy and seitan. This is also a plant-based trend, as consumers are seeking clean plant proteins that are more efficient calorie sources compared to animal-based products.Ripple pea protein alt-dairy productRipple pea protein alt-dairy productNew Hope Network

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