What key health and nutrition trends are shaping the food and beverage industry?

As consumers ourselves, we know that trends are continuously evolving, adapting, and growing. And as leading agro-suppliers, we also understand the importance of keeping up with these trends to best advise our customers when needed. Over the last year, we have witnessed a spike in health trends particularly focusing on immunity, with 58% of global consumers stating they would be interested in products that promote heart health, cognitive health, and immune health benefits.

The rising curiosity for the immune system
Looking at immunity, it is safe to say that the pandemic has forced many into learning more about how our immune system protects us and just how vital this really is all year round. According to a 2020 study by Innova Market Insights, 54% of global consumers say they have spent time educating themselves on ingredients that can support immune health, including vitamin D, zinc and vitamin C which are gaining popularity along with pre/probiotics. As the go-to source of these nutrients, fruits and vegetables such as kiwi s, berries and carrots are an ideal solution for manufacturers seeking to meet this rising demand. By incorporating fruit and vegetable ingredients such as juices and purees into their solutions, NPD teams can give their latest food and beverage products the desired ‘health halo’.

To meat or not to meat?
Another trend that’s here to stay is the plant-based trend, which has been adopted so heavily by consumers that we’re not even sure we can call it a trend anymore! Consumers are becoming increasingly more aware of the sustainability issues surrounding the over-consumption of meat and this is reflected in recent studies. In Germany for example, 60% of 18-24-year-olds are prepared to limit their consumption of meat in order to do something about climate change. With a higher demand for plant-based alternatives and meat replacements, SVZ is the ideal partner to assist in supplying delicious, sustainably sourced fruit and vegetable ingredients for new vegan and vegetarian products.

At SVZ, we are committed to producing and supplying manufacturers and consumers alike with the highest quality ingredients, whilst always ensuring sustainability and safety remain an integral focus from start to finish across the entire supply chain. With many more trends on the horizon, stay tuned for more. And in the meantime, why not read our harvest preview where we share our expert insights on the year ahead!