Seven Trends Dominating the Food Industry

The food industry has exploded within the last few years, as the market has expanded into taking a life necessity and transforming it into a culture. While the term “foodie” has been in origin since the 1980’s, when it was first coined by Gael Greene, what once was an esoteric term describing someone who appreciated the fine art of food and drink, is now a common term describing a new culture of food aficionados.

With the recent interest in treating food more of an experience rather than as a necessity to survival, there have been an influx in artisan food businesses, including everything from coffee to pastry to meat. For those interested in the foodie culture, here the seven trends currently dominating the food industry.

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1. Plant-Based Alternatives

One of the most popular trends currently is using plant-based alternatives in different foods. A startup company that is growing popularity, Hampton Creek Foods, is revolutionizing the food industry by creating products that use plant-based ingredients in place of eggs. Moreover, this company is using wholesome, organic ingredients that are fairly priced, allowing all consumers the ability to eat a healthier, more nutritious diet. Their popular products, “Just Mayo,” “Just Cookies,” and “Just Cookie Dough,” are being sold nationwide in popular stores, such as Walmart.

2. Fair Trade Products

The idea of fair trade began with the Fairtrade organization, which is an organization that has helped small farmers make a sustainable living for themselves and their future by offering them fair prices for their products. This type of fair trade has been made popular through different products, such as coffee, chocolate, tea, and sugar, as these types of products are often produced by small farmers in remote areas.

3. International Food

One of the most popular trends dominating the food market is the re-imagination of international foods. Many restaurants are re-inventing the traditional foods of pierogis, dumplings, empanadas, and meatballs by filling them with innovative ingredients that are often non-traditional in nature. The unique fillings and experimental techniques are transforming gourmet restaurants by giving them a modern update.

4. Farm-to-Table

Many people are growing more interested in where their ingredients are coming from, as many people are trying to be more conscious of what they are putting into their bodies. More restaurants and independent food businesses are working with local farmers to create more sustainable products that are, in essence, from farm-to-table. Not only is this trend supporting local businesses and farmers, helping to build relationships between small businesses, it is also helping consumers gain a greater insight into how their products are being made.

5. Cafeteria Style Restaurants

A super trendy idea for many new restaurants is taking the idea of cafeteria eating and transforming it into a modern way to get great food without having to wait for too long for the food. California-based restaurants like Tender Greens and Lemonade are utilizing the cafeteria style idea by offering consumers different gourmet food options that can be combined for a delicious meal experience. These types of restaurants offer gourmet options in a convenient way.

6. Food Apps

The app industry has transformed almost all business markets, as they offer consumers a convenient way to experience different types of business. The app market is filled with food-related apps, ranging from grocery-market apps to fast-food apps to finding top-rated restaurants nearby to even the way in which people can document their foods. Not only have restaurants and other businesses created rewards apps for customers, giving them an incentive to visit their businesses frequently, other apps, including Instagram, have become a hotspot for foodies to rate and document their food experiences.

7. Meal Delivery Services

In today’s busy culture, businesses like Blue Apron, Plated, and Hello Fresh have given busy people the opportunity to still create gourmet meals for themselves in a convenient manner. These companies deliver fresh ingredients to the door with the instructions on how to make each meal. For those who love to cook but do not have the time to meal plan for themselves, these services give them the chance to do what they love easily.

These food trends are of the most popular in the industry currently and are sure to be even more popular with time.

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/restaurant-diner-cafe-eat-retro-842342/