Eight food trends that could impact private brands

Market researcher Euromonitor International released a new report, “8 Food Trends for 2018,” which highlights the most influential packaged food megatrends for 2018.

No. 1 on the list is, “Back to Nature, No to Sugar.” According to Euromonitor, the focus of the food industry continues to shift from weight management to nutrition and natural well-being.

No. 2 is “Redefining Indulgence.” Indulgence is and will always be a core driver in foods, the report stated. However, it is changing shape and form, as consumers crave different products for different occasions and in different geographies.

No. 3 is “Plant-based and Origin Foods.” Veganism is now claimed to be the biggest lifestyle movement of the 21st century, with the world’s largest corporations signing up to the “Meatless Meat” movement, Euromonitor noted.

No. 4 is “From Buying to Creating.” According to Euromonitor, “Consumers’ emphasis is shifting from possession to experience. Growth in food sold through foodservice and branded stores often outpaces that in the mass channels.”

No. 5 is “Alternative Business Models.” By 2021, modern grocery (supermarkets and hypermarkets) will account for less than half of the total consumer goods trade, the market researcher said.

No. 6 is “Global Exoticism.” In 2050, one in three people will be Muslim, Euromonitor stated. Food trends tend to track migration, so 2018 is likely to see an uptick of Syrian and Middle Eastern inspired flavors in Western markets.

No. 7 is “Affordable Quality.” Globally, the fastest-growing household type is single-person households. This is inevitably leading to a rise in single-portion foods and snack replacements, Eurmonitor reported.

No. 8 is “Food Technology,” which is becoming ever more important in the distribution and delivery of food, Eurmonitor said.