The Anuga international food and beverage trade fair in Cologne has highlighted some strong new trends in the sector.
The show, which focuses on new products, innovative trends and future-oriented concepts, is a 'trend barometer' for buyers and is a source of inspiration for the global food businesses, according to its organisers.
One of the strongest trends to emerge, they say, is the creation of ready-made meal products for single or small households.
The "free from" movement also continues to develop, with some products meeting several demands at the same time and promoted using "triple-free" slogans. The spectrum of vegetarian and vegan products is also expanding significantly.
Novelty was another running theme, say organisers, with new food and flavour combinations on show, such as chicken gelati estragon, which was introduced as a new apéro product, and gelato di verdura - a new vegetable ice-cream.
Unusual taste compositions such as smoothies with spinach, coconut milk, and olive were also a common theme.
