The future… it’s not what it used to be.
This is something that’s especially true for food and drink. Gone are the days of thoughtless feasting, all-meat menus, deep freeze favourites and limited variety. The appetite for alcohol is reduced in younger generations, too. And with alternative options on the rise, milk is less popular than it once was.
As we try to make sense of the latest sequence of global crises, we’re also preparing ourselves for the next set. Health of people and the planet are proving to be the biggest factors influencing the newest food and drink habits. Many are looking for ways to make their diet kinder to themselves and their environment, and here are some of the biggest shifts.
Are young people drinking less? Remixing drinking’s future
With the youth - among others - moving towards low or no booze, both the alcohol industry and dry drinks makers have an opportunity to grow. For the ABV specialists, they can expand their product range with ‘soft’ spirits like Tanqueray 0.0% or neo-beers like Brew Dog Punk AF, both of which we supply. But for those leaving liquor behind completely, there’s a greater choice than ever before. Of course, there’s more and more matcha, but who could forget to include kombucha, too? Whether it’s the Original, mixed with ginger and lemon or pomegranate and blueberry, we’ve got it. What’s next? We’re certainly noticing more requests for CBD infusions…
Is the dairy industry in decline? Rethinking milk’s future
Inspired by dietary requirements or otherwise, traditional dairy milk is on the turn. Before, what accompanied people’s teas and coffees was a yes or no question; now, there’s a whole portfolio to choose from. Soya, once the only alternative, is suddenly crowded by almond, coconut, and even cashew. But the one that’s really blown up is the all-star oat. According to data provided by Food Navigator-USA, US sales of oat milk grew by 50.52% in 2022. That’s a grand total of $572.44m. Many brands are vying to be the oat GOAT, so there’s a lot of choice. Try Moma, Minor Figures or Alpro.
Will we still eat meat in the future? Veganing meat’s future
Whether it hails from the sea, the field or the trees, fewer animals are ending up on plates. Naturally, vegans and vegetarians are leading the charge, but carnivores are getting involved, too. Either because of their diet’s impact on their health, their wallet or their world. According to a report cited by the BBC, UK meat consumption has dropped by 17% in the last decade. However, a “more substantial reduction” is still needed. How’re we going to do that? By supporting some of the great vegan brands we supply. Try a Moving Mountains’ plant-based ‘beef’ burger or Seabloom’s Naked ‘Tuna-Free’ Flakes.
Eco-proofing food’s future
Clearly, our global food system has more of an ecological impact than most of us know. Or knew, atleast. Bad packaging, air miles and antiquated supply chains. Eating summer fruits in the winter thanks to refrigeration or wasting foods that don’t look ‘right’. There’s huge room for improvement. Eating what’s in season, what’s local, too, will certainly help. But dropping our judgement and eating ‘unusually’ shaped fruits and vegetables is also a must. With the hobby of foraging going from the fringe to the mainstream, though, it looks like the population is getting better acquainted with where their food comes from. And the fact that it’s often far from home.
What does your future look like?
Are you looking to move your menu ahead? Do you need to know more about eco-friendly, forward-thinking products in food and drink? Why not get in touch? Or sign up for our newsletter to keep up with what’s moving in food.
