Personalised food, sustainability, alternative protein sources, and the growing influence of private labels are major themes for the food and beverage sector. A recent webinar hosted by Anuga and its knowledge partner, Innova Market Insights, identified key trends currently at play and emerging.
Personalised food: To suit the people's preferences
The desire for individual food is on the rise. Personalised food means that consumers selectively choose food and beverages that meet their individual preferences and eating habits. Whereby aspects like a balanced diet, a needs-based intake of nutrients and functional food are increasingly coming under focus. According to the Innova Trends Survey 2025 more than one third of the consumers use enriched food and beverages for a targeted intake of nutrients. The market for products that regulate weight is showing particularly strong growth with an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8 per cent (2022-2024). The USA, India and the UK are driving this development, whilst Germany is recording the highest growth within Europe.
Sustainability: Environmental awareness characterises the market
The emphasis increasingly lies on sustainable products: Especially plant-based proteins like fava beans are gaining in significance. The market for plant-based food with fava beans is recording 11 per cent annual growth (2022-2024). Germany, the UK and Finland are the leaders here, whilst Switzerland is recording the highest growth within Europe with +108 per cent. Parallel to this the demand for alternatives for climate-sensitive raw materials like cocoa, coffee or orange juice is increasing. Companies are more and more frequently betting on sustainable substitute products like carob as an alternative to cocoa, lupin coffee instead of conventional coffee or fermented fruit juices as a substitute for orange juice. These innovative solutions contribute towards reducing the burden on the environment and doing justice to the consumers' increased sustainability demands. Already every second consumer worldwide would avoid or reduce a product if they knew it wasn't produced in a sustainable manner.
Alternative protein sources: Flexitarianism on the advance
The trend towards alternative protein sources is developing rapidly. Whilst plant-based proteins increased by 5 per cent between 2020 and 2024, the demand for cultivated and microbial proteins rose by 15 per cent in the same period. These are in particularly high demand in the categories Meat Substitutes (43 per cent of the new introductions), Ready-made Meals (13 per cent) as well as Desserts and Ice Cream (11 per cent). Furthermore, a current survey shows that two out of five consumers worldwide are interested in testing hybrid meat products that combine conventional and alternative protein sources.
With the introduction of Anuga Alternatives, in its pioneer role Anuga is leading the way forward in the global food industry. The new trade show will present products made from plant-based protein, insect protein, algae protein, mushroom-based protein and cell-cultivated meat.
Convenience and snacking: Enjoyment without having to do without
Snackification is still a mega trend. Around half of all consumers enjoy at least one snack a day, whereby enjoyment and comfort are the key drivers. Manufacturers are more and more frequently relying on smaller portions and innovative taste developments to satisfy the needs of the consumers for enjoyment and practical food.
Private label: Strong own brands booming
Own brands are above all gaining relevance in Europe and North America. In 2023 just under a third of the consumers stated that they are opting for brand names more often. Europe dominates with 62 per cent of the new introductions in the private label segment, followed by North America and Asia. Brand names are especially strongly represented in the categories Bakery Products (13 per cent), Meat, Fish & Eggs (12 per cent) and Ready-made Meals (12 per cent).
Premium & Gourmet: High-quality, sustainable, exclusive
Premium products not only convince with their exclusivity, but also with their sustainability and quality. Consumers increasingly expect ethically correct and healthy products. The share of premium launches among Hot Beverages (11 per cent), Sauces & Spices (10 per cent) as well as Snacks (9 per cent) is particularly high.
Anuga Fine Food is the biggest trade show within Anuga and it underlines how the industry is developing, and which trends are shaping the future. It is an important platform for delicatessen manufacturers and their customers from the food retail trade and food service sectors, presenting the latest innovations in the sections delicatessen, gourmet food, superfoods and more.
Gut & Digestive Health: Health begins in the intestines
More than half of the consumers are interested in food and beverages that are rich in fibre. Between 2022 and 2024 the market for fibre with digestive benefits increased by 3 per cent annually, whereby the USA, the UK and China are the top markets. Food Supplements (47 per cent of the new introductions) as well as Products for Babies & Toddlers (26 per cent) are particularly well-represented.
Halal: Growing market with high innovative power
The demand for halal products is increasing worldwide. Over the past five years the segment has recorded an annual growth rate of 8 per cent. The halal segment is proving particularly dynamic in the sections Bakery Products (15 per cent), Sauces & Spices (13 per cent) and Snacks (11 per cent).
Anuga Fine Food picks up on this theme and presents a host of halal-certified products. It offers a platform for manufacturers that are reacting to the growing demand and who are presenting innovative solutions in this section.
Clean Label: Transparency as a buying criterion
Consumers are increasingly opting for products without artificial additives. Particularly high clean label shares are found in the categories Sauces & Spices (13 per cent), Bakery Products (10 per cent) and Snacks (9 per cent).
Anuga 2025: Innovation driver of the global F&B industry
As an international trading and marketplace of the global F&B industry, Anuga 2025 offers a unique platform for the most important developments of the food industry. Companies can gain valuable insights into forward-looking trends and experience the latest innovations live.
This article first appeared on Anuga.com. Further information on Anuga 2025 and the trend themes can be found at: Discover the Anuga Food Trends | Anuga
Editor of Food & Drink Business, Kim Berry, will be attending Anuga this year. Please get in touch with her if you would like to connect at the show.
