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For many people all throughout the world, the past twenty months have brought trials and upheavals, and our daily habits and behaviours have evolved considerably. The food trends impact all of our lives in a profound and pervasive way, on a daily basis. But after the challenging two years, many people have turned to new food trends more than ever as a means of comfort, wellbeing and community.
As many customers hope for a fresh new start in 2022, the ongoing COVID pandemic might still play an eminent part in setting the tone for the food and beverage world. Our priorities have shifted as well, with many individuals placing a renewed emphasis on their health and well-being, including their diet. As a result, there has been a shift in food and health culture. While there still remains so much uncertainty, what appears to be inevitable is that the increased consumer demand in health, wellbeing and mindfulness is set to shape hospitality’s food and beverage sector as people are seeking to quench their thirst while having well-balanced wellness options.
Top Food and Beverage Trends that are Set to Shape the Industry in 2022:
Non-Alcoholic Drink
From last year’s rise in the sober-curious movement to the mocktails year-round, the increasing trend of ‘Non-alcoholic Drink’ seems to be here to stay. According to the Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report, in 2022, there will be nearly 58% of consumers globally will start drinking more and more non-alcoholic and low-ABV cocktails (NoLo) than in the past year, indicating one of the most significant trends in the landscape.
No wonder some of the top spirits brands have already taken action to get a piece of the pie, releasing new products and running pivoted promotions to suit the non-alcoholic and low-ABV cocktails trend. Looking forward, non-alcoholic spirits will potentially be taking over bar carts and drink menus, as people are more aware of the negative impact of alcohol on the body and mind with the raised consciousness in personal health and well-being.
Implications for bar or liquor business runners? To seize your portion of the non-alcoholic buzz, try having a sophisticated upgrade for non to low alcoholic options in your menus, running your ‘sober-curious’ campaigns via channels your customers are active on to increase your brand awareness, as people raise glasses to drink options that’s more health-focused.
Premiumisation, more Sustainably
The trend of premiumisation in the food and beverage industry has been constantly evolving over the past few years. Look at some stats – Champagne (up by 28.3%) is still cheering us and becoming an at-home celebration, which contributes to the growth of top 3 wine brands – Moët & Chandon (up by 27%), Veuve Clicquot (up by 26.3%) and Mumm (up by 22.5%) have now become an increasing trend of ‘‘everyday indulgence’. The same happens to the premium spirits, including some of the major brands like Johnnie Walker Blue Label (up by 45.5%), Four Pillars (up by 60.8%), and Grey Goose (up by 29.2%).
With an emphasis in the superior quality and exclusivity, brands are continuously innovating flavours and sensations in their unique ways. Now faced with the ongoing COVID pandemic, premiumisation in a more sustainable and ethical way tends to be more attractive to win consumers’ hearts. To align their actions, mission and values with the increased consumer consciousness of sustainability and wellness, premium food and drink companiess should look at pivoting their branding and communications strategies with burnished sustainability credentials.
The premiumisation trend is set to stay and shape the brand-new 2022, as reports show that consumers are still willing to shift their budgets that were allocated to travel and eating out towards premium food and drinks at home with their intimate family members and friends. Also with the rise of the next generation of consumers (the Millennials), who tend to spend more on superior brands to suit their lifestyles, the trend is potentially driving the future growth for this sector with young and vibrant imagery. Moreover, with the increased costs in the supply chain, energy, transport and so on, boosted price tags tend to be inevitable compared with the pre-COVID pricing level. Whatever you’re working on to seize your portion during the ever-evolving premiumisation competion – either with a refreshed brand image, eye-catching new product launch, or a CSR campaign to show your determination and action – the key is to resonate with your burgeoning consumer groups and their altered mindsets.
The Immunity Boost
COVID-19 served as a stark reminder that health is ephemeral and subject to alteration at any time. For many people, this prompted them to seek out products that would help them maintain a healthy immune system and so better prepare them to battle against diseases.
Purpose-driven ingredients are also expected to be at the forefront of the food business in the future. Adding olive oil to support heart health, vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, Ginger and turmeric as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory additions, or probiotics in kombucha to support a healthy digestive tract are all examples of food trends.
Local freshness
Many people gained a greater respect for their local communities as a result of the pandemic shutdowns, particularly the food purveyors — grocery stores, farmers markets and restaurants — who kept food on our tables.
Consuming local foods may provide loads of benefits for the local economy, for the environment, and for your body, as they’re generally fresher.
Microgreens
Microgreens are not technically new, but their popularity is at an all-time high among consumers. Plants like carrots and broccoli have baby counterparts in the form of these little shoots. Microgreens were once only available atop a meal at a high-end restaurant, but now you can purchase them in a grocery store in a variety of flavors, including Red Rambo radish, popcorn, and wild cabbage.
Microgreens have four to forty times more nutrients than their mature counterparts, according to a 2012 study. The small shoots are wonderful on top of eggs and sandwiches, and they may also be used to add flavor and nutrition to salads and smoothies.
Climate-friendly foods
Food production accounts for a quarter of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, making it a substantial contribution to climate change. However, the foods we eat can help mitigate the effects of climate change.
Diets may, for example, reduce but not eliminate the consumption of animal products. Instead, customers can opt for animal products that have a lesser environmental impact, such as substituting chicken for beef or eating a few plant-based meals each week.
Extreme diets, superfluous substances, and misleading promises are no longer in fashion. As time goes on, more individuals will seek food that has a purpose, a story, and benefits society and health.
These modifications, in the opinion of a dietician, appear to be a step in the right way by focusing on the things that genuinely count.
The Plant-based Boom
Veganism had a blast – with its popularity and adoption continuing to surge at record highs. With vegan-related searches up by 47% in 2021, plant-based food has obviously taken the market by storm.
Australia is the second-most popular nation in the world for vegans in 2020, behind only the UK, according to Chef’s Pencil’s latest annual index for veganism around the world. And the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact and put what was already a buoyant market into overdrive.
Why the vegan boom? Below are some explanations:
- The pandemic has made health and wellbeing front of mind for many consumers around the globe, which boosted veganism as it has been considered a healthy alternative to meat-eating;
- Climate change and its severe impact on Australia, the bushfires, floods, and droughts all reminded people of the consequences of farming, meat consumption and carbon emissions;
- Animal welfare and the ethics around eating meat have also been key determinants when choosing a diet. By refusing to consume animal meat and pay for animal products, the vegan community is working hard to reduce the demand to fight for animal welfare around the globe.
Gluten-Free diet is still hot
Nowadays, the choices of tasty ‘n’ easy gluten-free foods on the market can still blow your mind. With numerous health benefits, especially for those with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet may also reduce chronic inflammation, ease digestive symptoms, boost energy levels and promote weight loss.
But one thing to bear in mind is that a Gluten-Free diet is not suitable for everyone. Many people think a gluten-free diet is a healthy alternative — but it is not. Gluten-free foods often have higher sugar or fat contents to make them tastier with better consistency.
Gluten-free diet foods are essential for people medically diagnosed with Coeliac disease, while others need to be careful as they may miss an array of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, which have been contained mostly in whole grains rather than gluten-free foods.
Choose your diet wisely with a thorough understanding of your health conditions and the real needs of your body.
Hospitality people, we are here to help you.
It has been undoubtedly one of the toughest years for the great people in our industry. But here we can see a brighter future ahead for all of us – one that is paired with great technology, better customer experiences, and a more profitable hospitality industry.
We will work with you to grow your business.
H&L POS has been at the forefront of technology in the hospitality and food and beverage industry for over 30 years. We provide Point of Sale with extensive Back of House and a fully integrated suite of hospitality solutions.
As hospitality people at heart, H&L understands the critical requirements for each food and beverage operation. We have staff in every state of Australia providing direction and advice as you grow and as technology changes.
As always, remember that we are here to assist your business in any way possible. Call us at 1800 778 340, or email [email protected] to discuss your venue’s needs.