Modern consumers are adopting sustainable food and beverage products at an increased rate, while younger generations of shoppers, in particular, have gravitated toward sustainable options.

The Award, honoring Califia Farms and Odwalla founder Greg Steltenpohl, seeks to encourage and support innovators, entrepreneurs, and change makers building a more positive, plant-centric food system.

The majority of the trends focus on sustainability, which is proving to be the primary motivator for many new and emerging entrepreneurs, a key factor in corporate commitments and an important “why” behind radical transparency and impact assessments.

Key industry players are focusing on reducing food waste by about 50% through the adoption of several methods to extend the shelf-life of food. Top companies are paying strict regulations on food waste. FDA supports the food industry regarding food safety, packaged foods, and clean labeling. In the coming period, food manufacturers are likely to develop smart technology that may reduce the wastage of food items.

The ingredient was developed using a patented fermentation process on grape derivatives and allows food manufacturers to reduce sugar and sodium while enhancing flavor and increasing shelf-life across many different food and beverage applications.

Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation, too. According to Pew Research, Gen Z represents the leading edge of the country’s changing racial and ethnic makeup – with 52% non-Hispanic White, 25% Hispanic, 14% Black, 6% Asian and 5% a different race or two or more races. The US Census Bureau projects that by 2026, the majority of this generation will be non-White.

Wasted food is a major drain on business and on the planet. Shelf Engine, a perishable food forecasting specialist, estimates that supermarkets alone discard more than 43 billion pounds of food each year and that excessive food waste costs the grocery industry more than $50 billion in lost profits annually. 

Without giving away too much of the content, here are some of the hottest trends you should be paying attention to if you plan on launching a food, beverage, or supplement in the next five years.

International plant nutrition leader, Haifa Group, Ltd., and food-tech innovator, SimpliiGood by AlgaeCore Technologies Ltd., have joined forces to optimize the SimpliiGood spirulina supply chain while promoting their net zero goals. This partnership delivers benefits to both companies’ products and bottom lines in the short term. It also positions them to create a sustainable circular carbon economy within the next several years. 

Inline Plastics is answering that call and doing so in a sustainable fashion. The company now offers seven new rectangular products in its Essentials Platters line. These all-clear, rectangle-shaped platters are also made with 10% post-consumer content.