Innova Market Insights’ No. 2 trend for 2021, Plant-Forward, signifies the evolution of plant-based concepts beyond the core dairy and meat alternatives categories. In 2020, no fewer than 67% of all new products with ‘plant-based’ claims were launched outside of these pioneering sectors. In the confectionery market, for example, more milk-free and gelatin-free products are hitting the shelves, as highlighted in a new report from Innova Market Insights. Meanwhile, the plant-based confectionery space is growing in popularity.

New research from IRI®, a global leader in innovative solutions and services for consumer, retail and media companies, found that small and extra-small CPG manufacturers’ and retailers’ own brands gained US market share over larger players during 2020. Of the CPG industry’s $933 billion of total US sales in measured channels in 2020, large manufacturers collectively lost 1.3 share points, or $12.1 billion in sales, to smaller players due to channel shifts, supply constraints and category shifts.

Whether it’s for a nutritious treat, comfort from stress, or a quick meal, US consumers increasingly turn to fruits, nuts, and ready-to-eat snack foods throughout the day, reports The NPD Group. Over the past five years, Americans added 25 between-meal snacking occasions per capita, from 505 between-meal snacking occasions per capita in 2015 to 530 in 2020, and consumption of snack foods at meals increased from 21% of eatings in 2010 to 26% in 2020.

Despite use of plant-based meat or dairy products being highest among those following vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian diets, it's omnivores and flexitarians who make up the lion's share of consumers who eat these products due to their sheer numbers, reports market research firm Packaged Facts in the report Vegan, Vegetarian, and Flexitarian Consumers.

Mintel announced three key trends for the global food, drink, and foodservice industries, including analysis, insights, and recommendations centered around the now, the next, and the future of consumer behavior.

In a world of accolades, there’s nothing quite like Prepared Foods’ annual Spirit of Innovation (SOI) Awards. Since 2003, these awards have stood out for the unique way that they honor the hard-working people behind new products.

The events of 2020 have upended almost every norm across the globe. The impact has been felt deeply in the most fundamental areas of our lives, including all things food-related.

IRI’s latest report, “Anticipated Vaccine Adoption and Impact on CPG Industry,” explores the opportunities that retailers and manufacturers have to promote vaccinations, both as a physical destination where consumers can get a vaccination, and as part of overall wellness campaigns.

Lyons Magnus, a global foodservice and ingredient source, released predictions for five emerging trends that will influence food and beverage menus in 2021 and beyond.

In addition to the look back at the trending grocery purchases of 2020, Kroger unveiled its top seven food trend predictions for 2021, thoughtfully curated by its culinary experiences team and Our Brands product developers, chefs and innovators.