Explore one of 2022’s top trends and the trends to look out for in 2023, including: 

• Sustainability 
• Convenience 
• Functionality 

The food and beverage industry witnessed impressive growth and innovation in 2022-guided by shifting consumer demands largely driven by the pandemic. As we enter 2023, it’s important to reflect on the trends that emerged in the past year in order to develop new products that meet changing consumer needs to continue pushing the industry forward. 
The food and beverage industry witnessed impressive growth and innovation in 2022-guided by shifting consumer demands largely driven by the pandemic. As we enter 2023, it’s important to reflect on the trends that emerged in the past year in order to develop new products that meet changing consumer needs to continue pushing the industry forward. 

Let’s explore one of the most influential trends of 2022, how that’s expected to evolve in the coming year, and what trends to anticipate in 2023: 

A Top Trend

Sustainability

Notably one of the most influential industry trends in 2022 was sustainability. 

• 61% of U.S. consumers believe that sustainability is important when buying a product¹ 
• 72% of consumers consider brand and manufacturer transparency to be extremely important² 
• 56% of global consumers in 2022 noted they were willing to consider switching brands if their supply chain was unsustainable or unethical³

Consumers now view sustainability as less of a trend and more of an established expectation when it comes to their food and beverage purchase decisions. As a result, we expect to see sustainability intertwined with new trends in 2023. Consumers will see products hit the shelves that are not only environmentally responsible, but also provide added benefits, such as being made with natural ingredients, plant-based, functional and convenient. 

Brands can ensure they’re doing their part to make responsible decisions by incorporating sustainable practices and ingredients within 2023 innovations. Blue Diamond’s sustainable initiatives, such as water conservation and boosted pollinator health, help produce environmentally responsible almond ingredients. From snack mixes to pastries, global customers can deliver in-demand benefits with almond ingredients in 2023. 

Trends Expected to Influence 2023

Convenience

Experts note that consumers enhanced their cooking skills at home in 2022, and enjoyed doing so, but are ready for an easier way to prepare and enjoy their food and beverages⁴. Whether they are looking for healthy, plant-based or even sustainable benefits out of their products, they also want to be able to enjoy those benefits on-the-go. This year, research shows that consumers will be demanding all new innovative convenience products, such as pre-made meal kits and ready-to-eat products⁴. 

By innovating convenience products with ingredients that provide nutritional benefits, consumers are able to maintain their health goals, without needing to spend valuable time preparing nutritious meals. 

Enhanced Functionality

The increased interest in functional foods isn’t a new trend, but it’s expected to evolve in 2023. Consumers are demanding more out of functional products, with nearly 1 in 5 Americans identifying niche health benefits they want in their food and beverage selections⁵. Recent data also shows that the functional foods market is expected to expand at a compound annual rate of 9.13% by 2028⁶. In 2023, more consumers will be seeking foods that provide specific benefits, such as protein and brain health claims, improved female health, increased energy and more. This creates opportunities for formulators to enhance their portfolio of functional products. 

By using tasty, nutrient dense ingredients such as almonds, formulators can provide well-rounded nutrition that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture. Rich in fiber and vitamins, almonds and almond ingredients can deliver the nutrients consumers are looking for. 

From sustainable snacks to functional cookies, the food and beverage industry continues to introduce innovative products that meet consumer expectations. With the nutritional and environmentally responsible benefits that Blue Diamond almonds can provide, global customers cahttps://www.almondadvantage.com/qa-the-growing-interest-in-convenience/n be a part of the influential changes to come in 2023.  

For more insight on the growing interest in convenience products, check out our article with Michael Coe, Sales Director at Blue Diamond Growers, here. If you’re looking for more information on what to expect from consumer demands in 2023, contact us today.  

References:

1. “Food-Worldwide,” Statista. 2022.
2. “Earthwise 2022: Consumer Demand for Sustainability Grows,” Store Brands. 2022.
3. “Sustainable food systems must be a key focus for foodservice brands going into 2023,” Verdict Food Service. November 2022.
4. “2023 specialty food trends include convenience, bold flavors,” Bake Magazine. October 2022.
5. “Consumers want specific health and wellness benefits in their products in 2023, study finds,” Food Dive. December 2022.
6. “By 2028, Functional Food Market 2023 is progress across Manufacturing and Industrial Capabilities with Industrial Capabilities with Statistical Significance Owing, Investment Feasibility,” MarketWatch. December 2022.