Latin flavors are experiencing a strong upward surge, for good reason. There already are large parts of the US (especially California, Texas, and New Mexico) in which non-Hispanics are the minority. US Census Bureau data indicate that by mid-century, about a third of the population will be comprised of persons of Latin/Hispanic background. (Meanwhile, the Caucasian population is expected to drop from around 62% to about 56%.)

Chicago-based chef, writer and undisputed, “Breakfast Queen,” Ina Pinkney is the first of IBT’s trend-setting chefs. She dishes on the bowl trend and its limitless opportunities, specifically breakfast bowls and what gives them their menu appeal. In a guest vlog Chef Ina draws on her years of experience focusing on the breakfast daypart, sharing her views about the breakfast bowl phenomenon: “Breakfast bowls allow you to choose to eat a meal in layers or mixed all together. Fill it with flavor and texture and you’ve got an exciting array of concepts that will bring consumers back time and again.”

Gen Zs, like the Millennials, prefer food and beverages with transparent labeling and an absence of artificial ingredients; skeptical of big brands and too many label claims, finds the NPD report, which takes a holistic look at the attitudes, behaviors, and voices of Gen Zs.  

Here, we’ve collected a sample of recent reports and surveys that offer some degree of insight into specific industry segments, and could potentially provide direction and inspiration as you move through stages of product development.

Thirty-one percent of consumers in Q4 2017 said they are struggling to buy needed groceries compared with 30% in Q4 2016.

From Burger King to Steak 'n Shake, more foodservice operators are incorporating traditional cereal brands into specialty beverages that serve as a snack or dessert.

Millennials have now surpassed Boomers in numbers but Boomers remain a large population and their behaviors still have a significant influence on the marketplace.

Protein and snacking are two megatrends that are now fully mainstream. That's because busy consumers demand quick, nutritious, satisfying options that do more than just fill you up. Both of these trends are powerhouses and independently meet consumers' needs well.

The key shifts are how consumers shop, define convenience, use restaurants and foodservice outlets, and personalize health and wellness, according to NPD’s recently released Eating Patterns in America report.

The brand was created in response to a shift in millennial consumption habits in the alcoholic beverage and wine categories.