The UK food & beverage industry trends dominating the sector in 2024
The landscape of food trends is in a constant state of evolution , driven by shifts in consumer attitudes , economic fluctuations , and consequential events both on a national and global scale .
Over the past few months , numerous factors have had an impact on the food and beverage scene including the ongoing costof-living crisis , a continued focus on sustainability , and growing health concerns .
These have caused new trends to develop , existing ‘ historical ’ trends to fade and others to continue developing , becoming a more integral part of the industry .
Ian Hart , business development director at adi Projects , a division of multi-disciplined UK engineering firm adi Group , discusses the trends developing in the food and drinks industry in 2024 and their impact on the sector .
More raw ingredients , less processed food
Picking up from last year , a notable trend in the food and beverage industry in 2024 is the increasing shift towards less processed foods and a greater emphasis on raw ingredients .
Consumers are showing a growing interest in wholesome , minimally processed options , driven by a desire for healthier choices and a deeper understanding of the nutritional value of their food .
This trend aligns with a broader movement towards clean eating and a focus on the origins of ingredients . This shift also reflects a commitment to authenticity and sustainability , and a consumer preference for fresh and unadulterated food experiences . Food and beverage companies are responding by reevaluating their product formulations , opting
78 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk
As consumers become more health-conscious , there is a growing demand for food options that align with fitness and wellness goals .
for simpler , more transparent ingredient lists .
Responsible sourcing
Consumers are increasingly prioritising ethical and sustainable choices , prompting a shift towards products that demonstrate a commitment to responsible sourcing practices . From ingredients cultivated with environmentally friendly methods to ethically produced goods that support fair labour practices , consumers are seeking transparency in the supply chain .
This trend reflects a heightened awareness of the environmental and social impact of consumption , as individuals actively seek products that align with their values .
As companies embrace sustainability , responsibly sourced offerings are not only meeting consumer expectations but also driving positive change throughout the industry , fostering a more conscientious and sustainable approach to food and beverage production .
The rise of meal kit services
In 2024 , we are likely to continue to experience a continued rise of meal kit services such as HelloFresh and Gousto . These ‘ recipe boxes ’, which supply preportioned ingredients along with chef-curated recipes directly to consumers ’ doorsteps , have gained immense popularity .
This trend is indicative of a shift in consumer behaviour towards athome cooking experiences without the hassle of grocery shopping , guaranteeing convenience and variety .
As the industry embraces this model , it not only addresses the demand for time-saving solutions but also reflects a dynamic response to evolving consumer preferences for personalised , chefquality meals in the comfort of one ’ s home .
A decrease in demand for vegetarian and vegan options
Despite the unquestionable popularity of vegetarianism and veganism in the past few years , with nearly one quarter of all food products launched in 2019 being labelled vegan , sales began to stagnate in the past two years .
Sales of meat alternatives were down 13.6 % in 2022 , with UK supermarkets Tesco , Asda , Sainsbury ’ s and Morrisons cutting their vegan ranges by 10 per cent , according to The Grocer .
There is likely to be a continued decline in demand for vegetarian and vegan options through 2024 , and a primary driver is likely to be concerns over plant-based food being ultra processed , in tandem with a shift towards clean eating and minimally processed options .