Looking to the year ahead, the overarching consumer need is that they want something new. They want fresh ideas, unique options that break through the noise, and innovations that are engaging and exciting – something that’s enough to wake them up from their “bed rotting” and “doom scrolling.” 

Comprising 20 experts from diverse segments of the culinary world, the SFA Trendspotters track emerging specialty food and beverage products in their own work and at the bi-annual SFA Fancy Food Shows, thereby getting an early look at the flavors, formats, and ideas that will hit mainstream retailers and restaurants sooner than later.

Del Monte Foods' ability to anticipate and quickly respond to consumer preferences is driven by its robust Product Innovation Teams, who work in tandem to spot the latest restaurant and menu trends, collaborate with culinary chefs, and partner with suppliers.

Prior to sharing our outlook for 2025, we wanted to review the predictions we made for 2024 to determine what we got right and what might not have fully taken shape. Here, we've collected capsule information for each section of our 2024 Predictions, in areas such as sustainability, foodservice and global flavors. Within each capsule, you will find our 2024 predictions and assessments of their accuracy.

Global Flavors Group's mission is to bring authentic global flavors to American plates. Kaho is attracted to this industry due to its positive growth tailwinds - driven by the increasing diversity of the US population and growing interest in authentic international flavors - and fragmentation.

"The demand for vegetarian options that feature global flavors continues to grow, and we are thrilled to extend our line of frozen Indian entrees to enable a superior in-home experience of one of the most popular Indian dishes, Matar Paneer," said Kiernan Laughlin, general manager.

Lay's Wavy Tzatziki, Lay's Masala and Lay's Honey Butter flavors, inspired by Greece, India and Korea, are hitting store shelves in the US for a limited time, helping fans experience the tastes of these countries. 

“We were so honored to be invited to the Fancy Food Show this year. It is a great way for our students to see how broad the food industry is and understand the impact of the work we do at the lab,” said Drexel Food Lab Associate Director Chef Rachel Sherman. “I find it encouraging to see what products and trends jump out to them."

Crafted with authentic, restaurant-quality global recipes and packed with wholesome ingredients, the meals are poised to elevate the frozen food aisle in celebration of Korea, Thailand, and Mexico.

Globally inspired flavors, evolving use of kitchen appliances, and a surge in breakfast foods are just some of the emerging trends identified in Future of Frozen Food 2024, the inaugural, comprehensive, data-driven report from Conagra Brands that examined how the $78 billion1 United States (US) frozen food market may evolve in 2024.