4 Trends Impacting the Food Manufacturing Industry

Previously overlooked, the food manufacturing industry has undergone several shake-ups in recent years. After climbing to record highs, obesity rates in America have finally started to stall. American consumers have begun to take particular notice of how their food is being manufactured and prepared.

Healthy lifestyles have been the object of obsession, foodborne illnesses have kept the industry on high alert, and technology has advanced to provide new avenues for food production. 2018 has started off no different.

Read below to find more details on trends impacting the food manufacturing industry.

1. Technology

Technology and innovation will continue to become more commonplace in the food industry in the coming years. Companies are looking to cut costs, but also to produce more food from natural resources. One way that could happen is by optimizing the food production process through the implementation of robotics. Robotics could lead to improved order fulfillment and quality assurance and is set to expand 12 percent this year.

Companies have had to become more transparent in our current digital age. People expect to know the process that their food has undergone to get to their table. Farm to fork. Companies that are capitalizing on social media are able to share the story of their products and explain the company’s vision and commitment to fresh, clean ingredients. Digitally sharing nutrition facts, tips, forums, and extra information will maximize consumer interest.

Food subscription services are also changing the game. There is a growing demand for easy recipes and fresh ingredients delivered directly to a consumer’s door. Again, digital transparency and advertising are a must for these start-up companies to grow.

2. New Customer Preferences

Shifting lifestyles have brought new trends in customer preferences, disrupting decades-old manufacturing practices. Low sugar, low sodium, alternative dairy, high protein, and much more are millennial trends that require a change in food science and manufacturing.

The requirement for on-the-go but healthy options have contributed to the rise in popularity of foods that are consumed in convenient bowls. By effect, food manufacturers are producing more quinoa, kale, ancient grains, and other bowl-friendly foods.

Eventually, categorizing and personalizing nutrition to each individual will be the norm. Creating products for athletes, military, elderly, and niche populations will be expected of manufacturers. One size will not fit all Americans.

Alternatives to dairy lead to experimenting with coconut, almond, soy, oats, and hemp. Growth for alternative dairy is projected to grow 10 percent this year.

3. Food Safety

Food manufacturers have appeared in mainstream media recently due to foodborne illnesses. Consumers are looking for brands that ensure safe ingredients and processing.

Being able to prevent and test products more efficiently will become essential for a company’s reputation and expansion. The marketing of safe foods is another trend to keep an eye out for in the future.

4. Sustainability

Millennials are taking notice of brands that share their support of clean environment and energy sources. Optimizing energy usage will make a company more reputable and desirable to new consumers.

Similarly, awareness of pollution and plastic misuse has hit a new standard. Starbucks has taken a pledge to eliminate plastic straws from production and use by 2020. That has prompted political discourse at the state and national level and other organizations to follow suit. Young consumers have begun to build a record of choosing sustainable food manufacturers and brands.

Contact Us

The food and beverages that people are choosing are ever-changing, forward thinking to create new tastes and products, taking steps to ensure food safety, and valuing sustainable choices will impact sales and drive growth positive in the industry.

Does your food manufacturing company require staffing solutions? Contact Reliable Resources today.

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