CHICAGO — Food and beverage products positioned as healthy and responsibly produced represent a significant market opportunity as consumers become increasingly mindful about what they eat and drink.

“Consumers are not just looking for products that are good for their body, but they also want products that are good for the world,” said Florencia Moreno Torres, market analyst for Innova Market Insights.

The rise of the mindful consumer as a key force in product development was one of 10 top trends highlighted by Arnhem, The Netherlands-based Innova Market Insights at IFT18, the Institute of Food Technologists’ annual meeting and food exposition in Chicago.

Nearly half of global food and beverage introductions last year featured a better-for-you claim, which compared to 42% in 2013. Product launches with an ethical animal, human or environment claim grew at a compound annual growth rate of 47% from 2013 to 2017.

“This trend isn’t going anywhere … and is actually going to get even stronger,” Ms. Moreno Torres said.

Read on for nine more food trends discussed by Innova Market Insights at IFT18.
 

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