USA- Puratos, an ingredients specialist in the bakery, sweet goods, and chocolate industry, unveiled transformative trends and consumer preferences in an illuminating event, the Taste Tomorrow 2023 conference, held on September 19 and 20 in Austin.
Utilizing advanced data science and AI, Puratos has successfully distilled raw data into actionable insights, identifying critical industry and consumer trends, including the “tech-inspired” revolution, “classics continued” “fusion flavors,” “gut feeling,” and “plant-forward.”
Jaina Wald, Vice President of Marketing at Puratos USA, emphasized the importance of monitoring emerging trend signals and predicting their growth trajectories to gain foresight.
“Our goal is to remain at the forefront of innovation and ensure that our partners and clients stay ahead of the curve. By understanding consumer needs, motivations, moments, and narratives, Puratos delivers a holistic understanding of the current landscape and envisions the future of food,” Wald remarked.
One of the key trends shaping the future of the bakery, patisserie, and chocolate industry in North America is the “Tech-Inspired” Revolution, which marks a significant transformation in the region’s food landscape.
This revolution seamlessly combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, incorporating AI-powered generation and 3D printing to push creative boundaries and introduce personalized recipes.
“By fusing technology and culinary craftsmanship, we’re pushing creative boundaries and entering a new era of recipe personalization with tools like ChatGPT and text-to-image generators,” said Wald.
Another noteworthy trend, “Classics Continued” and “Fusion Flavors,” showcases a desire for nostalgic culinary experiences while also expressing an interest in experimenting with new food presentations.
“This distinctive duality of desiring classic comforts as well as the thrill of the unexplored presents an exciting opportunity for industry professionals to leverage the power of classics while reinventing finished goods to encourage exploration and discovery,” said Wald.
Furthermore, the “Gut Feeling” trend, which emphasizes the demand for gut-friendly foods in everyday meals, signifies a significant change in consumer awareness regarding gut health.
An impressive 76% of North American consumers recognize the importance of improving gut health for overall well-being.
“This striking interest in gut health among North American consumers is translating into a demand for multipurpose gut-friendly foods that offer holistic health benefits and enhanced energy,” said Wald.
Lastly, the “Plant Forward” movement is gaining momentum in North America as consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their food choices.
Plant-based options are now perceived as a natural and healthier choice, with a significant percentage of consumers recognizing the positive environmental impact of opting for plant-based foods.
Puratos’ Taste Tomorrow research program not only offers a glimpse into the evolving food industry but also empowers businesses to create innovative products that resonate with their customers in a changing world.
“By providing a deep understanding of consumers’ changing needs and desires, we empower businesses to stay ahead of the game and create products that truly resonate with their customers. In a world where innovation is key, Taste Tomorrow is the ultimate tool for success” Wald concluded.
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