Recent years have revealed a new trend of thought regarding plant-based alternatives. Having been highlighted for its growing popularity over the years, the food and beverage industry has reached a point where plant-based alternatives are expected to undergo significant transformation and innovation.
Research has shown that consumers demand more stringent assurances of clean label credentials for their products, coupled with improved flavour and texture. To manage this, manufacturers and innovators of plant-based products respond to consumer demand with numerous new products. Simultaneously, manufacturers and innovators are exploring growth and market opportunities aligned with projections of the plant-based markets' potential for sustainable growth.
Innova’s number four trend from our Top Ten Trends for 2023 is Plant-Based: Unlocking a New Narrative showed that the rapid expansion of the plant-based category has caused ut to it to stumble, as the quality and flavour assurances have come at the cost of keeping up with the significant increase of consumer demand.
Plant-based products must now do more than mimic meat, fish, and dairy. For products to stand out for consumers, the category must diversify its portfolio and expand product ranges. Greener gastronomy is a feature that is expected to become a strong pull for consumers of plant-based products, giving new opportunities for the sector in 2023.
