Plant-based burgers, CBD hemp oil, and fermented foods will drive business growth in the future, according to panellists at the Naturally Good Expo held in Sydney this week.
1. Plant-based foods
Between 2012 and 2016, research group Mintel saw a 25 per cent increase in vegetarian claims and a 257 per cent rise in vegan claims in new grocery store products.
Buying director of UK retailer Planet Organic, Al Overton, a panellist at the expo's Food & Beverage Exporters Forum, said plant-based foods would continue to rise.
The organics business caters for both classic, ethics-driven vegans and 'new vegans' – or flexitarians – who also liked to eat animal products such as bone broth, but enjoyed veganism mostly for its health benefits rather than a deep concern for animal welfare.
Natural Products Consulting director Bob Burke, one of the speakers in the expo's educational program, said plant-based burgers which tasted almost exactly like meat-based burgers were hot property globally.
For example, LA-based company Beyond Meat makes vegan burgers high in protein and iron using peas, and beetroot to give the effect of ‘bleeding’.
2. CBD hemp oil
Another rocketing global trend expected to reach Australia following new hemp laws is CBD hemp oil.
Overton is seeing interest exploding in his Planet Organic stores, while Burke can verify that the trend shows no signs of abating.
CBD oil is made by extracting cannabidiol (or CBD) from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.
It’s gaining momentum in the health and wellness world, with some scientific studies confirming it may help treat a variety of ailments like chronic pain and anxiety.
3. Fermented products
Overton says the growing interest in gut health has driven sales for fermented foods and drinks upwards in his business.
Kombucha brands line his shelves, and sauerkraut, kimchi, and sourdough bread are gaining ground due to the rich amount of probiotics they are believed to contain.
The Naturally Good Show was held in Sydney's Darling Harbour from 29-30 April.
