Jo-Ann McArthur’s Post

Mid-Year Trend Report Check-in We’re about halfway through 2024, and it’s been nearly eight months since we released the 2024 edition of the Nourish Trend Report. How have our critical Food & Beverage trends been tracking? In Part One of our mid-year check-in, we’re catching up with AI (or is it catching up with us?), saving water, and boosting our brains with food. We’ve got real-world examples of how each of these trends is playing out with consumers and industry. Don’t get left behind! Read the article now, and consider where your business could leverage these dynamic trends. #FoodTrends #FoodInnovation https://lnkd.in/g2AY8S2e

Mid-Year Trend Report Check-in We’re about halfway through 2024, and it’s been nearly eight months since we released the 2024 edition of the Nourish Trend Report. How have our critical Food & Beverage trends been tracking? In Part One of our mid-year check-in, we’re catching up with AI (or is it catching up with us?), saving water, and boosting our brains with food. We’ve got real-world examples of how each of these trends is playing out with consumers and industry. Don’t get left behind! Read the article now, and consider where your business could leverage these dynamic trends. #FoodTrends #FoodInnovation https://lnkd.in/gViUgbhy

🌱 How Digital Media is Shaping Plant-Based Food Trends 🌱 Digital media is playing a pivotal role in influencing consumer perceptions of plant-forward foods, especially as more people embrace flexitarian eating styles. Insights from The Culinary Institute of America's 2024 Menus of Change session highlighted how platforms like social media and online content are driving the popularity of plant-based options. 📱 Research from Datassential shows that digital media has helped position plant-forward foods as healthful and adventurous, attracting a broader audience. However, it has also contributed to the perception that these foods are more expensive, which can impact consumer choices. As digital media continues to evolve, its influence on food trends and consumer behavior will only grow stronger. #PlantBased #FoodTrends #DigitalMedia #Flexitarian #ConsumerBehavior

As we step into 2024, the food industry continues to evolve, reflecting our changing society. The International Food Information Council (IFIC) has unveiled its annual food trends forecast, and it's clear that wellness, technology, and cultural fusion are taking center stage. Mood-Boosting Meals We're seeing a paradigm shift in how we view food's impact on our well-being. With 74% of Americans believing their food choices significantly affect their mental and emotional health, expect to see more products targeting mood support, stress reduction, and better sleep. Keep an eye out for ingredients like ashwagandha and turmeric in your favorite snacks and beverages. Functional Hydration The sparkling water craze isn't slowing down. In fact, it's expanding into the realm of functional beverages. From "clean caffeine" drinks to probiotic-infused waters, 2024 will redefine hydration. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, water-efficient food production will also gain importance. Plant-Based Innovation Plant-based proteins are getting a makeover. Look for protein-fortified products in unexpected places, from rice and pasta to baking mixes. And for those missing seafood in their plant-based diets, innovative alternatives are on the horizon. Third-Culture Cuisine Say goodbye to "fusion" and hello to "third-culture cuisine." This trend celebrates the diversity of American culinary traditions, blending cultures and flavors in exciting new ways. As part of this shift, we're seeing a renaissance of once-maligned ingredients like MSG, as chefs and home cooks alike embrace its umami-enhancing properties. AI in the Kitchen Artificial intelligence is making its way into our culinary lives. From meal planning to answering food safety questions, AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming go-to resources for health-conscious consumers. Ready to embrace these trends? Start by experimenting with mood-boosting ingredients in your cooking or trying out a new third-culture recipe. Share your experiences and let's create a more diverse, health-conscious food culture together! #FoodTrends2024 #CulinaryInnovation

Today's consumers have a heightened awareness for natural food and beverage products that are tasty and come with clean ingredient lists, also in plant-based options. Learn how the 'Natural Goodness' megatrend impacts the food and beverage industry in our trendscope 2024+ white paper. #trendscope #naturalness#taste #plant-based

Today's consumers have a heightened awareness for natural food and beverage products that are tasty and come with clean ingredient lists, also in plant-based options. Learn how the 'Natural Goodness' megatrend impacts the food and beverage industry in our trendscope 2024+ white paper. #trendscope #naturalness#taste #plant-based

😋 What makes food both healthy and delicious?💪 Over my 15+ years in food innovation, I’ve learned that great food starts with great choices 🍴 When it comes to creating truly exceptional meals, the foundation isn't just in the recipe - it's in the choices we make before we even start cooking. Here's a glimpse of how I always approached food product development: 💡 Understanding consumer needs and expectations: I always start by thinking deeply about what the end consumer truly wants. Above that, food isn’t just fuel - it’s nourishment. Knowing what your body needs, helps create meals that are not only delicious but also purposeful. Understanding the needs and expectations is the foundation for creating a product that delivers real value. 🥦 Choose high-quality ingredients: Great food begins with carefully selected ingredients, harvested at the peak of ripeness to maximize flavour and nutrient content. Identifying the right suppliers who uphold the same high quality standards is crucial. ⚙️ Minimize processing & number of ingredients: Focus on using only ingredients and processes that truly add value to achieving the desired end product. Making products unnecessarily complex does not contribute meaningful value to the final product. 👥 Make it user-centered: Innovation alone is not enough; we must ensure that the end result truly meets the needs and expectations of our target audience. That's why it's essential to involve your test audience throughout the development process. Regularly checking in with them to gather feedback ensures that the products not only meet technical and functional requirements but also genuinely appeal to their tastes and preferences. Luckily I have my own test panel around the table every day! By making intentional choices, we craft meals that do more than satisfy hunger—they celebrate the harmony of health, taste, and convenience. Because great food truly does start with great choices. Those principles are at the heart of Life is Bananas, my upcoming baby food and kids' snack brand. Every product is crafted to be: ✅ Packed with nutrients ✅ Bursting with flavours ✅ Irresistible to little ones ✅ Loved by parents ✅ Validated by experts Stay tuned for more news about this brand 🔥 Www.lifeisbananas.com

The Power of Consumer Preferences in the Food Industry On the second Sunday of November, my church celebrated its Choir Anniversary—a day filled with music, joy, and a shared meal. As a proud chorister and a passionate food technologist, I couldn’t help but savor the moment when we were served a delicious plate of Jollof rice, chicken, salad, and Maltina. You can imagine the excitement on my face—good food truly makes me happy! 😄 One of the things I cherish about my church is the sense of family we share, especially on special Sundays like this. Sitting together and enjoying a meal, sparks meaningful conversations, and this time was no exception. While we ate, my big sister, Kikelomo Beckley, mentioned how the uncooked rice texture made its cooking a challenge. This led to a lively discussion about food texture preferences—she prefers her cooked food semi-soft, while I love mine soft. It turns out, our preferences are linked to how we eat. I chew lightly and swallow quickly, while she takes her time, chewing thoroughly before swallowing. This conversation got me thinking about how diverse consumer preferences are and why they matter so much in the food industry. Here’s the takeaway: Understanding consumer preferences is crucial for food product development and production. Every consumer has unique tastes and habits that influence their satisfaction. Whether it is texture, flavor, or other sensory qualities, understanding these preferences is essential for creating products that satisfy human needs. By paying attention to these differences, food companies can: - Tailor products to meet specific consumer needs. - Build customer loyalty through personalized experiences. - Streamline product development by addressing real consumer desires. This simple meal reminded me of a key principle: great food isn’t just about flavor or ingredients—it’s about understanding the people you serve. What are your thoughts on how food preferences shape product development? Let’s discuss!

Today's consumers have a heightened awareness for natural food and beverage products that are tasty and come with clean ingredient lists, also in plant-based options. Learn how the 'Natural Goodness' megatrend impacts the food and beverage industry in our trendscope 2024+ white paper. #trendscope #naturalness#taste #plant-based

Today's consumers have a heightened awareness for natural food and beverage products that are tasty and come with clean ingredient lists, also in plant-based options. Learn how the 'Natural Goodness' megatrend impacts the food and beverage industry in our trendscope 2024+ white paper. #trendscope #naturalness#taste #plant-based