NEW YORK — With a new year in just a few months, more organizations — including the Specialty Food Association (SFA) — are sharing their trends predictions for 2023. The SFA Trendspotter Panel, which includes professionals from an array of culinary segments, determined nine trends it anticipates for the coming year.
Among the trends that the panel accumulated, concerns regarding climate and the environment have emerged as one of the top trends for 2023. These products are marked by purpose-forward messaging, bold brand names and engaging visuals to distinguish them from other products.
“With growing unrest over climate issues and their impact on the future food supply, products that feature some aspect of sustainable ingredients, upcycled ingredients or environment-friendly packaging are leading the way,” said Jonathan Deutsch, Ph.D., professor at Drexel University and director of the Drexel Food Lab.
As more plant-based products emerge in the market, the panel’s experts predict more regenerative agriculture practices, additional research to restore more localized food systems, carbon and indigenous farming, and more.
Panelists also predict a continued interest in balancing flavor and function. According to the report, manufacturers are working to introduce ingredients with health benefits, seen in the rise of better-for-you goods and snacks.
With an increase in consumers that are more conscious of what is in the food they’re consuming; it has been found that more are seeking real food ingredients including natural sugar alternatives. The SFA Trendspotter Panel highlighted a rise in sweeteners including pure maple syrup, coconut sugar, honey and fruit juices.
“Used across categories ranging from sparkling tonics to pasta sauce, to artisanal chocolate to classic bakery treats, natural sweeteners give brands a platform for differentiation as well as the appeal of a clean label,” said Victoria Ho, founder of Los Angeles-based Sherpa CPG.
During the Summer Fancy Food Show in June, the Trendspotters noted an increase in innovative packaging as another trend for 2023. Stan Sagner, founder of We Work for Food, shared that this not only highlights the opportunity for additional opportunity and less mess, but includes the potential to communicate sustainability with consumer and a chance to introduce innovative ways for decadent products to be consumed.
Bill Lynch, president of SFA, shared that these trends will also be on display at the Winter Fancy Food Show. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center January 15-17, 2023, the show is the largest B2B specialty food event in the western US and features thousands of global specialty food and beverage products.
The full list of trends can be found on the SFA website here.
