Food Trends

We didn’t see 2020 coming, so what do we predict for 2021?

By Doris Valade, Business and Leadership Coach

Of all the predictions for 2020, not one hinted at a pandemic that would suddenly and radically change what, where and how we eat. Who knew that lockdowns, stateof-emergency orders and work-from- home directives would have grocery stores running out of staples like flour and yeast as we started cooking and baking as though our lives depended on it (perhaps they did!)? Throughout 2020, we leaned into comfort foods (sourdough ruled, along with homemade banana bread, soup and Tik Tok’s pancake cereal). We ate at home more often, had our groceries delivered and apps, ads and flyers from restaurants scrambling to make ends meet encouraged us to order takeout.

Almost a year later, as we continue adapting to the changes brought about by COVID-19, food trends are also changing and adapting to accommodate the “new normal.” Innova Market Insights Released their Top Ten Trends for 2021 They include: #1. Transparency Triumphs. Consumers want to know where their food comes from and how it is made and they want this information to be clear, concise and easy to understand.

Innova’s 2020 Consumer Survey revealed that globally, six in ten customers want to know where their food comes from.

#2. Plant-Forward. Plant-based foods are now a regular part of most consumer diets and have made their way onto restaurant menus. Look for plant-based snack foods and beverages and fish alternatives.

#3. Tailored to Fit. This trend is all about food and nutrition specific to the needs of the consumer’s lifestyle. Higher protein drinks and snack bars focus on requests from both athletes and seniors. Keto snack products support the popularity of the Keto diet. Even tea-time has taken on new meaning. Arla Food Ingredients provides a whey protein isolate solution so you can make a high-protein iced tea right after that workout. #4. New Omnichannel Eating – the pandemic was definitely the driver of this trend. We’re seeing a significant increase in home delivery services (grocery stores and restaurants) and expanded on-line ordering. A Fall 2020 Vividata Survey of Canadian consumers showed that one in five of us use a food delivery service in a given month. SkipTheDishes is the most popular ordering app, followed by UberEats. Learn more here.

Since we are not eating out as often during the pandemic, restaurants have hustled to find ways to maintain sales and brand loyalty. Take Time Hortons as an example. Did you know you can now buy Tim Hortons’ chili and soups in cans at many supermarkets?

#5. In Tune with Immune – this translates into an increased demand for foods that support and strengthen our immune health. With more time at home, we’ve been reading and learning more about diet and health. imagine.GO from Jacksonville, Florida, collaborated with DSM, an international Pharma company specializing in vitamin and lipid manufacturing. They’ve developed a Personal Nutrition App that encourages people to make small dietary and behavior changes for improved health. http://imaginego.com/portfolio/dsm- personalized-nutrition/ Innova’s other five food trend predictions for 2021 are equally interesting, read about them here: https://www. foodingredientsfirst.com/news/transparency-triumphs-ininnova-market-insights-top- trends-for-2021.html What Does the European Food Industry Predict for 2021? Some trends are similar to what’s happening here in North America, others, not so much:

Euro Poultry, located in the ancient city of Aalborg, Denmark, provides poultry to the European market. Here’s a quick summary of their top five food trend predictions for 2021. #1. Climate Friendliness & Healthy Food. Consumers are looking for their food suppliers to take the lead in climate campaigns and policy. They want environmentally friendly products, minimal food waste and recyclable packaging.

#2. Take-Away (or as we say in Canada, ”takeout”) – definitely a global trend as restaurants struggle to hang on to their customers. Restaurants are reimagining how to engage with customers. Online orders and efficient delivery are what’s keeping many of them in business.

#3. Chili – spicy foods continue in popularity. A range of hot sauces on store shelves have chilies as their main ingredient.

Did you know that there is an international “Hot and Spicy Food Day,” on the 16th of January every year? What’s behind our universal love of spicy food? Science Meets Food gives some interesting background on this.

#4. Unique Food Concepts – Instagram is big on sharing personal food concepts, making it an effective ‘word-of-mouth’ marketing tool.

Instagrammers are often foodies. It’s a very visual platform, so they can have you drooling over colourful food plates and they’re not shy about sharing recipes or their favourite places to eat. If you’re in the food business, coming up with ideas (e.g., social posts) to get your customers recommending your food to others is time well spent. If you’re not already using social media for your business, 2021 is the year to start. #5. Snacking. Eating traditionally – three meals a day – is no longer part of the routine for many families. Frequent snacks throughout the day is easier to fit into busy lives and there are a variety of food choices that include meat proteins, plant proteins and healthy ingredients.

Curious about what else Euro Poultry has to say about European food trends for 2021? Read the entire article here: https://www.euro-poultry.com/blog/foodtrends-2021 Fortune 500 Company Hormel Foods revealed its 2021 food trends:

In a nutshell … • New routines and rituals with increased family dining experiences at home. • Intentional leftovers. As consumers continue to cook at home, extra portions will be made to be incorporated into tomorrow’s meal. • Hot Honey! Playing a role in both sweet and spicy food combinations.

Read more Hormel trend predictions for 2021 here: https://www. hormelfoods.com/newsroom/press-releases/hormel-foods-andacclaimed-chefs-reveal- top-food-trends-for-2021/ We’ve said good-bye (with a thankful sigh!) to 2020. In 2021, it’s hello air-fryers, instant pots, expanded home cooking, connecting with family and sharing meals at home or through zoom dinner parties. Food has played a vital role during the pandemic. It has helped us feel better and feel closer, despite being physically distanced. I thought it appropriate to close with a fun link to the Virtual Family Dinner Party Guide. Stay safe, stay healthy and bon appetit! Suggested Additional Reading: 1. Did you know? According to Canada’s 2021 Food Price Report, annual food expenditures could rise by as much as $695.00.

The highest increases will be for meat, bakery and vegetables.

Read the full report: https://www.dal.ca/sites/agri-food/ research/canada-s-food-price-report-2021.html 2. Huffington Post’s Chronological List of 2020’s Most

Unforgettable Food Trends. 3. Eat Beyond, an investment issuer focused on the global plantbased and alternative food sector predicts there is a high probability that the first cell-based meat and dairy products will be approved in Singapore. They are investing in Singapore food techs SIngCell and TurtleTree Labs. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/eat-beyondannounces-strategic-focus-on-singapore-a-global- leader-infood-tech-and-marketing-agreement-833621458.html

About Doris Valade

Doris has been involved in the meat and poultry industry for over 35 years. She has sat on the boards of Food & Beverage Ontario, the Canadian Meat Council and the Canadian Spice Association. Doris has been included on the list of Profit magazine’s Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs from 1999 – 2005 and again in 2016. Meat and Poultry Ontario recently awarded her its Lifetime Member Award for her outstanding contributions to the industry.

Doris is a business and leadership coach supporting business owners and entrepreneurs to challenge, define and lead. You can request a free (no obligation) 15-minute phone call and conversation with Doris by sending her an email request: doris@malabargroup.ca