An emphasis on health, wellness, and sustainability will continue to drive innovation in the beverage industry in 2020, according to market researcher Technomic. Consumers want more consistent healthful options and unique flavors from beverages, as well as sustainably grown and sourced ingredients. This will translate into waste reduction and creative use of new ingredients in both food and drink. Technomic says U.S. consumers are operating in a heightened sense of social responsibility led by evolving life stages. Global economic factors, political implications, and labor concerns are gaining steam, impacting consumer behaviors. Their sensibilities “are more attuned to the value equation for dining occasions ... and that’s linked directly to their choices.” Look for innovation in overlooked parts of familiar plants, like beet greens, sweet potato leaves, and avocado blossom. Meanwhile, Asian cheese tea, huitlacoche, edible insects, seaweed, tonka beans, oat-based milks will all gain momentum next year, but may not sustain long-term.
[Image Credit: © Daria-Yakovleva from Pixabay]