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Summer is approaching, and as always, it’s worth sharing some reminders and getting acquainted with some key trends in the food sector. Seasonal trends significantly influence consumer behavior and purchasing patterns.
It is vital to recognize the importance of these trends and harness their potential for strategic decision-making.
Exploring food trends is not just about staying up-to-date with the latest innovations; it is a crucial aspect of understanding that our relationship with food is constantly evolving.
5 reasons to stay aware summer trends
Here are 5 reasons why it’s important to pay attention to food trends:
1. Consumer Preferences
Food trends often reflect changes in consumer preferences, dietary habits, and cultural influences.
2. Innovation and Creativity
Trends inspire innovation in the culinary world.
3. Health and Wellness
Many trends focus on healthier eating habits, promoting well-being and mindful consumption.
4. Environmental Impact
Food trends often highlight sustainability practices, fostering awareness about eco-friendly choices and their impact on the planet.
5. Business Strategy
For food businesses, staying updated on trends is essential for strategic planning. It helps develop assortment, pricing, and promotion strategies, marketing campaigns, and business models that resonate with the current market, leading to growth and success.
Increased Demand for Fresh Vegetables
Summer is synonymous with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Consumers gravitate towards seasonal produce such as berries, melons, tomatoes, corn, and leafy greens. Grocery retailers can capitalize on this trend by purchasing and prominently displaying a variety of high-quality fresh products sourced locally.
Outdoor Grilling
Warm weather and longer days during the summer season create an ideal atmosphere for outdoor grilling.
Grocery retailers witness an increase in demand for meats, seafood, marinades, sauces, and grilling accessories. Offering diverse grilling options and providing recipe ideas can attract customers and boost sales.
Focus on Healthy Snacks
Many consumers prioritize healthy eating habits during the summer months. Grocery retailers can adapt to this trend by stocking up on nutritious and convenient snack options such as freshly cut fruits, vegetable trays, yogurt parfaits, smoothies, and protein bars.
Holistic Health and Wellness during summer
Increased awareness about health, including concerns about the impact of caffeine on sleep and mood, is causing consumers to reduce caffeine consumption, according to GCL Food Ingredients company.
This results in 39% of coffee drinkers attempting to reduce their caffeine intake, posing new challenges for the coffee and coffee shop industry. If you’re looking for a coffee alternative, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Some of the healthiest coffee substitutes include caffeinated teas such as green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and matcha. These teas can provide a similar energizing effect to coffee. If you’re looking for a coffee-flavored beverage, you can try substitutes such as chicory root or mushroom coffee.
Rise in Italian Cuisine
People are consuming more Italian food at home (pasta and pizza), because they are simple, delicious, and affordable meals to prepare amidst the cost of living crisis.
But there’s also the more gastronomic side, popularized by famous chefs Stanley Tucci and Jamie Oliver, which focuses more on rustic and regional dishes.
Small Plates, Big Flavor
Croquettes: In line with industry trends towards small plates, tapas, and party food, there’s an interesting development of a range of delicious croquette flavors.
Cod Fritters: Under the Spanish tapas style concept focusing on authenticity and quality ingredients.
To maximize consumer satisfaction, please remember that it’s always important to stay as updated as possible with buyer trends and preferences. Especially during the summer, which is a time of fun and family closeness.
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