New consumer insights reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the way Americans are eating. Carbs are back, snacking is up and home cooks are experimenting with more partially plant-based, where meat or poultry may be blended with veggies, nuts or whole grains.

According to report produced by The Good Food Institute (GFI), 2019 and the first seven months of 2020 were record periods of investment in fermentation companies creating sustainable alternatives to conventional animal-based foods and ingredients. 

With Americans encouraged to work from home, the pandemic is injecting some much needed new energy into coffee sales. New research from Mintel, the experts in what consumers want and why, suggests that the at-home coffee market is set to grow by 4.9% this year alone to reach $15.6 billion, compared to a total of 3.9% growth experienced between 2015 – 2019.

The coronavirus outbreak in the US has revitalized sales in the center of retail stores, home of shelf-stable and frozen foods that have generally been experiencing declining or slow sales growth over a number of years.

Recent ADM OutsideVoice℠ research shows that 77% of consumers intend to make more attempts to stay healthy in the future. Food and beverage manufacturers who successfully balance consumer health concerns with affordability are most likely to win with consumers.

Prepared Foods talks innovation strategy with Galit Feinreich founder and principal consultant at Little Wave Co., Los Angeles. Feinreich’s 20+ year career spans a range of companies from start-ups to multinationals across industries from enterprise software to sports nutrition and food. Current and recent clients to her consulting practice include Dole Packaged Foods, Nature’s Bakery and Cremo Company.

This new report dives into understanding the role of health within the indulgence and snacking category (globally, regionally, and across 22 countries) to help companies ensure their products are well positioned for today and for the future.

If 2020 had gone to plan, Natural Products Expo East 2020 would have been just around the corner and the NEXT team would have been presenting on the top growing and emerging trends that were unfolding on the trade show floor. Instead, we're looking to Natural Products Expo's Spark Change, which kicked off Wednesday, Aug. 26. 

Thanks to a partnership with Food Innovation Center at Rutgers University (FIC), the Specialty Food Association (SFA) persevered, and produced its 48th annual sofi™ Awards competition, resulting in 157 winners across 49 categories from around the world.

Through a series of virtual classes, each with a contemporary take on mastering everyday home tasks and need-to-know life skills, “students” will learn everything from creative baking swaps and transforming food scraps to stocking up on grocery staples and choosing the right cleaning products.