It's fall, a time when outdoor plants slow down in advance of winter. Then again, you could say the plant-based foods market still is in its budding, spring season.

After a decade or more of focusing largely on the needs, preferences, and behaviors of Millennials, the food industry is ready to focus its attention on Gen Z.

Overall, total US retail sales of chocolate confectionery are estimated to have grown 15% since 2012 to reach $18.5 billion in 2018. Seasonal chocolate is the fastest growing segment, with sales forecast to reach $3.9 billion in 2018 and growing 29% since 2012.

For its part, Prepared Foods believes new product development is a team sport and PF's 16th annual "Spirit of Innovation" (SOI) awards honor those food and beverage manufacturer teams collaborating and creating distinct new products that stand out in their respective markets.

According to the survey, approximately three-quarters of Americans understand that plant-based “milk” products do not actually contain cow’s milk (75% for soymilk and almond milk, 74% for coconut milk, 73% for rice milk and 72% for cashew milk).

Between 2018 and 2023, Packaged Facts forecasts online grocery sales will more than quadruple as online options become more available and consumers become more open to trying online shopping or using online options more frequently to purchase their groceries.

"With Greek yogurt having already refashioned the yogurt category, the question becomes what's the next disruptor? The longer-term answer is dairy-free yogurt," says David Sprinkle, research director for Packaged Facts. "The segment is following more familiar dairy-alternative beverage ingredient trends, especially as dairy-free yogurt moves beyond soy to feature coconut, almond, and cashew as well as more exotic variations such as pea-based yogurt."

The in-store meal kits will include Home Chef's fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and recipes that are easy to prepare.

Conagra Brands will present innovative snack solutions and improved display vehicles for convenience stores driven by the preferences of modern consumers.

Other hot flavor spots along with Asia, include Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Think sambal, gochujang, guasacaca, sofrito, agrodolce, dukkah, and more. These are just a taste of the flavors from around the world spicing up menus all over the country.