2024 Food & Beverage Trends
What food and beverage buyers – specifically B2B buyers, in this case, not consumers – tell us about food and beverage trends is based on what they see happening in the marketplace in real time. At the recent Foodpreneurs Festival, some interesting trends came to light, though not all of them were surprising.
The Foodpreneurs Festival is a unique event designed specifically for packaged food, drink, and pet food brand owners. Held over one day, it offers food entrepreneurs a range of opportunities, including pitching to retail buyers, networking with other food entrepreneurs, retailers and investors, showcasing a product, and the chance to connect with potential partners at Collaboration Corner. There are expert talks and panel discussions too.
Food and beverage buying trends
The 2024 Foodpreneurs Festival uncovered several interesting buying trends, that is, categories that were very popular with food and beverage buyers this year. As you’ll see below, the trends pointed towards increased consumer demand for food and beverage products that help them pursue a convenient, sustainable, and healthy lifestyle. Functional foods are certainly on their way up, with no signs of slowing.
Health and Wellness
Nutritious snacks and supplementary foods and beverages are huge! Think herbs and spices to help boost the flavour profile of healthy foods. Think protein powders, probiotic beverages like kombucha, and seaweed seasonings. Foods and beverages touting their antioxidant and probiotic content are powerful drawcards for consumers. Click to view our Health Food & Super Foods category.
Sustainability
Food and beverage products that focus on sustainability, such as oat milk that boasts a lower carbon footprint demonstrate growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly choices.
Convenience & Quality
Time-poor and even skills-poor home cooks are increasingly turning to ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare products, and expect them to be straightforward, nutritious, and made with quality ingredients. Examples are pasta and pasta sauce, and instant smoothies. Click to view our Convenience & Ready-to-Eat Meals category.
Ethical & Clean Ingredients
Buyers are reflecting consumers’ increasing desire for ethically sourced, sustainable foods and beverages that are free from preservatives. Healthy snacks such as protein balls come into play here, as well as free trade chocolate, and ethically sourced herbs and spices.
Innovative & Functional Foods
Why eat something just for the taste of it, right? Consumers now expect their foods and beverages to offer functional or therapeutic benefits, such as energy and probiotic drinks and confectionery that’s not just sugar free, but also contains vitamins.
Beverage Trends
Consumers are clamouring for more interesting, sophisticated beverages, particularly in the non-alcoholic sector. Demand for low-sugar, health-boosting, probiotic-containing drinks and drinks that help the consumer still feel a part of the occasion is on the rise. Click to view our Beverages, Soft Drinks & Juices category.
At Fine Food Wholesalers, many of our advertisers match consumer trends as they come and go. We are always looking for new and exciting suppliers of wholesale foods and beverages. If you are a food/beverage wholesaler or supplier, or you have encountered a food or beverage wholesaler that you think would benefit from the extra exposure that listing on Fine Food Wholesalers brings, please get in touch. Email me at gina@finefoodwholesalers.com.au.
