United Fresh has over 30 years of experience supporting and promoting the New Zealand fresh produce industry, working with the entire value chain, from seed producer and grower to consumer, and providing leadership on pan-produce issues.
This is their sixth trend report for New Zealand.
Restricted household budgets, the need for balanced health and well-being, and an awareness of being eco-friendly for our planet have influenced the food and shopping trends of 2023.
Recent research indicates that food prices have risen by 12.5 percent in April 2023 compared to April 2022, marking this the most significant increase since 1986.
Demand has surged for products high in beneficial nutrients and products that improve the planet's health. In the fruit and vegetable aisle alone, 35 percent of consumers surveyed towards the end of last year reported increasing their spending on fresh produce for health reasons.
One key trend includes edible packaging, as companies find innovative and alternative packaging methods.
Emerging innovations to combat plastic waste and develop sustainable alternatives are seeing more companies finding alternative materials to make their packaging. Startup companies use various materials, including seaweed, wheat and pea protein, to produce edible and biodegradable packaging.
The Freedonia Group found that food packaging sustainability is increasingly important to consumers. The study discovered that consumers considered jars, bottles, snack bags, and pouches made from bioplastics to be the most eco-friendly packaging options. At the same time, conventional plastics were ranked lowest in perceived eco-friendliness.
The next big thing in plant-derived milk substitutes is potato milk.
Potatoes are considered one of the world's most environmentally friendly vegetables. They emit far fewer greenhouse gases than many other crops, require comparatively little land and water, and are one of the lowest allergen foods. This vegetable is also considered a good source of several vitamins and nutrients, including folate, which vegans often lack.
Produced initially in Sweden, potato milk is produced by straining boiled potato extract and blending it with water, rapeseed oil, and other ingredients. This milk has a rich, creamy texture and thick consistency and is primarily available in sweetened and non-sweetened forms.
Potato milk has started to take off overseas. Given we produce a significant 419,000 metric tonnes of spuds in New Zealand each year, United Fresh has questioned if potato milk could be the next big thing for New Zealand, too.
Thirdly, United Fresh has identified fermentation as a trend. Fermented foods have been around for centuries. According to United Fresh, there are many reasons for this trend, including the growing awareness of the health benefits of fermented foods, the increasing availability of fermented foods, and the growing popularity of ethnic cuisines.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants frantically worked to preserve the fresh produce in their kitchens with each consecutive lockdown. They helped return the ancient technique, with many people enjoying their fermented foods at home.
Expect more fermented foods on our menus and shop shelves as the trend continues.
Plant-based is an ongoing and important global trend for 2023. More people locally and internationally are looking for plant-based options, and restaurants and food brands are stepping up with innovative and delicious plant-based dishes. It's forcing food chains like Burger King and KFC to offer vegan options on their menus, making it easier for people to enjoy vegan food on the go.
Plant-based meats have grown in popularity, projected to exceed US$75 billion this year.
The advancements made in the product's taste have contributed to its growth in the last few years, with companies producing virtually indistinguishable food from animal-based meats.
We've seen zucchini noodles and cauliflower rice rise in popularity over the years, so expect to see the continued rise of vegetable-based pasta. Austrian researcher Hanni Rützler describes this in her Food Report 2023 as the rise of "veganising" recipes.
Overseas research shows shoppers selected plant-based 'meat' for health reasons 16 times more than for sustainability reasons.
Finally, television and social media are two mediums United Fresh has recognised impacting the industry. The increasing popularity of binge-worthy international and local cooking shows and reality competitions on TV and streaming services promote the many products the chefs use in their recipes and menus.
This exposure gives direct access to consumers, growers, and manufacturers and is crucial as they supply the ready-to-consume foods and ingredients for processed products sold through retail.
According to the recently released "Midyear 2023 Trend Report" from food and beverage intelligence platform Datassential, technology is seeping into food trends evident in food service and grocery channels.
The impact of platforms like TikTok and Instagram has seen 67 percent of consumers want to see more social media fads come to life at stores and restaurants; that number jumps to 74 percent among Gen Z and Millennial consumers.
Social media has also helped ignite the "Copycat Chef" trend. Channels featuring recipes mimicking famous chefs' dishes or easy 'fake-away' hits like fried cauliflower allow home cooks to try preparing restaurant-quality food without the cost.
