In early October, Prepared Foods held its 37th annual New Products Conference, where themes of sustainability underpinned many of the speaker presentations. New Products Conference sessions surrounding upcycled foods, food waste and plant based foods each contained overt and tangential messages about corporate responsibility and sustainable food production. 

“As the specialty food industry hits a record year of growth with $148.7 billion in sales, we’re seeing that health benefits and sustainability concerns will continue to drive more food and beverage trends in 2020,” said Denise Purcell, head of content for the SFA.

This fall Renewal Mill is partnering with Square Baby, the world’s first and only meal system for babies that delivers 100% Daily Nutrition, to incorporate organic okara flour into their customizable baby meal plans.

“All of the startups we watched at FoodBytes! Chicago showcased some of the most innovative solutions we have seen yet when it comes to building a more nutritious and sustainable food supply,” said Darren Streiler, investment director, ADM Ventures, who served as a judge on the panel.

ReGrained created its bright character driven packaging to more closely reflect their internal culture and active, intentional consumer base, creating a unique identity for every flavor.

Make plans to attend the New Products Conference, Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at Chicago’s Swissotel. Think you know enough about sustainability? Here are just three NPC sessions guaranteed to about deliver even deeper insights.

In preparing for its annual outlook on 2019, global new products tracker Innova Market Insights identified its top 10 trends influencing all food and beverage categories. These developments certainly express themselves in Prepared Foods' category overviews.

Come hear Saneski, Chef Kuan and Cotto discuss this fast growing segment and supply chain with special guest Moderator Dr. Rachel Cheatham, founder of Foodscape Group.

Building on previous findings and predictions, the panelists tasted their way through the show, identifying products currently attaining prominence in the specialty food industry.

"Green Appeal" is one of Innova Market Insights' top trends for 2019. It reflects a food industry increasingly committed to answering a more mindful consumer’s expectations around sustainability.