How Food and Beverage Companies are Adapting to Global Market Trends

The food and beverage industry is not what it once was. People once used to buy anything that companies piled on the shelves without asking many questions Those days are long gone. Now, like all other industries, food and beverage industry is also going through frequent changes. Rapid technological advancements, health-conscious millennials and eco-aware Gen Z are fueling these changes. 

Today, we want our food production to be smart and sustainable. Also, trends such as plant-based diets, clean labeling, and convenience foods have surfaced. Food and beverage companies, now, due to all these, are no longer selling just products. They are selling experiences and values. 

Brands from the industry now want to provide healthy beverage option or a sustainable canned food brand. However, the catch is that, they are making these for an informed consumer base. A consumer base that will no longer have mass-produced items thrown at them. The rise of organic drink manufacturers and gluten-free biscuit trends shows how quickly the market can change.

But how is this affecting the food and beverage companies? Well, the brand involved now need to be more active than ever. They have to invest time and money to stay relevant. The initial steps could be figuring out supply chains and be welcoming towards new technology. And, more importantly, they need to pay heed to consumer demands.

In this article, we’ll put the food and beverage industry under the light and see how it is changing. We’ll understand the trends, innovative products, and the strategies companies are using to conduct business. From artisan bread suppliers to frozen vegetable exporters, we’ll cover it all.

Food and Beverage Industry Trends and Key Manufacturing Companies 

It is estimated that by 2027, food and beverage industry could reach $9.2 trillion. The 21st century is seeing people moving in hordes towards healthy and simple food. Plant-based foods are growing at 10.5% each year. 

Even though big names such as Nestlé, PepsiCo, and Coca-Cola are ruling the market, smaller, independent brands are more active than ever. Such brands are riding the wave of inventiveness to present their especial products. Be that as it may, big or small, companies now must function using a process that fosters sustainability. 

Over 70% of top brands have promised to bring down emissions by 2030. 

Over 60% of shoppers now side with brands that care about the Earth.

Sustainability isn’t just a trend-it’s an absolute must. And, it is here to stay. To incorporate sustainability factories are getting smarter - machines, robots, and AI are all around. Use of such technology is speeding the food production process. Due to such incorporation of tech, wastage is being cut short as well. The food automation market could hit $40 billion by 2028. 

Every day we are moving forward and finding newer packaging systems that will keep food fresh longer and use less plastic.

Nevertheless, no matter the good intention, obstacles such as high costs, supply chain delays, and worker shortages are inevitable. A thing of hope is that, companies are persistent in their use of smart tech and systems. 

With food safety rules being tighter than ever, transparency is now the ‘in’ thing. The food and drink companies can no longer go on sticking names as ingredients that the consumers cannot make sense of. Now, labels must be clear, and ingredients must be easy to understand. 

As people are embracing individuality and know for a fact that their body is unique, personalized nutrition is growing. And, as we are on top of a fast-moving world, we want our food to be quick and handsy. Healthy snacks and quick meals are becoming popular as people find themselves to be always on the move. There are now apps that use AI to suggest diets based on health needs. Companies like Unilever, Danone, General Mills, Tyson Foods and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) are learning and adapting fast.

Functional foods, like protein bars and vitamin drinks, are spreading in the market owing to public demands. This market could reach $530 billion by 2028. 

People’s shopping habits are going through a fast transformation too. Online food sales are on the rise. To make online purchase more convenient, brands are improving digital shopping and delivery. 

Innovation is of utmost importance for survival. Brands that use new tech, care for the planet, and listen to shoppers, will flourish. Companies that are open to adapting and are forward-thinking in nature, will be a part of the future.

The Rise of Health-Conscious Beverages: Innovations in the Drink Industry

Sugary sodas and artificial juices are losing their market-hold. Now-a-days, consumers are no longer attracted by fancy packaging or whatever is in fashion. They want things that they consume to be healthy. Such a shift has sent waves of transformation in the beverage industry. Food processing industry players are in a race to come up with products that are healthier. The sudden rise in low-sugar and sugar-free beverages signals to that. 

Brands are trying to lower the sugar content of their products without compromising the taste. Many healthy beverage options are now sweetened naturally. The sweeteners used are stevia or monk fruit. Consumers love this! They can have their favorite drinks without guilt weighing down on them.

Organic drink manufacturers are also on the rise. Consumers now want products that contain organic ingredients. They want their products to be free from pesticides and synthetic additives. Organic teas, cold-pressed juices, or plant-based milk - these products are all the rage these days.

Functional beverages are also becoming more and more popular. These drinks go beyond basic hydration. These provide added benefits like improved digestion, extra energy, or better sleep. In the market, you will find probiotic-infused waters, collagen-rich elixirs, or adaptogenic teas. These products are for consumers who do not want their beverages to be limited to just quenching the thirst. They want beverages to improve their overall health.

Sustainability is also playing a part in driving forth innovation. Brands are now aiming for eco-friendly packaging. They are using biodegradable bottles or reusable containers. This is exactly the positive impact that environmentally conscious consumers want to see. 

Here’s a chart listing what is in fashion in the health-conscious beverage market:

Now, health, sustainability, and innovation are taking the center stage in the drink industry. Things are such that companies can no longer think about success without bringing in these changes.

Bread and Biscuits: Catering to Artisan and Dietary Needs

Bread and biscuits have had an upgrade from their status of being quick fixes for hunger. These are being deemed as a canvas in the food and beverage industry. People are more health-conscious and adventurous in these modern times. Now, they want artisan bread and diet-specific biscuits. To remain in the game, companies have gone back to their designing tables to figure out creative recipes using the best of the best ingredients.

Lately, Gluten-free products are trending. If you have celiac disease or are sensitive to gluten, you cannot just grab anything from the shelf. You need something that is in sync with your health requirements and is tasty too. 

You can now get gluten-free biscuits made from almond, rice, or chickpea flour. Increase in availability of these products means that brands are listening to the consumers. Artisan bread suppliers are becoming more available. It is due to adventurous consumers developing a knack for handcrafted bread. So, now you have sourdough to multigrain loaves. This is a positive shift from the mass-produced white bread.

To make food even healthier and to attract more consumers, companies are turning to superfoods. Those include - chia seeds, quinoa, and flaxseeds. Bread and biscuit with these ingredients added becomes more nutritional. Texture and flavor go through a change too.

Here are some of the trends in the bread and biscuit market:

The bread and biscuit industry is transforming and taking shape. The good thing is that it is getting molded by consumer demands. Gluten-free biscuit and artisan loaf points towards this change. 

Candy and Chocolate: Meeting Demand for Premium and Healthier Options

The transformation has spread across the candy and chocolate industry too. Consumers now are in the mood for premium chocolates and healthier candy options. Brands are now having to take on this test to fashion products that are both healthy and delicious.

These days sugar-free and low-sugar candies are enjoying a gradual rise. More people are aware of what regular high sugar dosage can do to their bodies. This awareness is causing brands to turn to natural sweeteners such as stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit. Consumers, thus, can resume their sweet treating and relish it without guilt. From sugar-free candy manufacturers, now you get - gummies, hard candies, and chocolates.

Premium and artisanal chocolates have found a spot in the hearts of consumers as well. They do not mind paying extra if it means they can get ethically sourced cocoa that has exclusive flavor combinations. Think dark chocolate with sea salt, chili-infused cocoa, or single-origin chocolate bars. These acquired-taste products are not for the average Joe. For chocolate aficionados, chocolate is more than just a snack - it is a luxurious experience!

Health-focused innovations have brought to the market functional candies and chocolates. These products are infused with vitamins, minerals, or probiotics. People are gaining interest in these as they are an alternative to traditional source for improved immunity, better digestion, and energy. Examples include bars with superfoods such as matcha, turmeric, or goji berries from organic chocolate suppliers.

Keeping sustainability in mind, brands are taking up eco-friendly practices as they go for recyclable packaging and procure cocoa from fair-trade farms. Consumers are happy as their purchasing is resulting in a positive impact. 

Here’s what the current candy and chocolate market looks like:

The modern candy and chocolate industry is no longer about blind indulgence. It’s about quality, health, and sustainability. Companies that have taken up these changes, are the ones that are winning over modern consumers.

Canned Food: Sustainable and Convenient Solutions for Modern Consumers

Our modern lives require us to always be up and ready. Due to this, we need food that can be prepared at a moment’s notice. Canned food does just that. Once it was deemed as the last resort for a hasty meal, now it is collecting some glory. It’s now a go-to option for busy, eco-conscious consumers. 

The food and drink industry did not fail to take on this chance. Brands have brought to the market sustainable canned food and convenient meal solutions that are in sync with modern lifestyles.

The focus on sustainability has only grown more intense throughout the years. Brands are using recyclable materials for packaging and reducing their carbon footprint. For example, sustainable canned food brands are now going for BPA-free linings and eco-friendly labels. Modern consumers are happy that eco-friendly practices are becoming more and more popular.

The busy schedule of people’s lives has revived ready-to-eat meals. Canned soups, stews, and pasta dishes are a savior when you are always busy and on the clock. These foods can be heated and served in minutes. In these changing times, with public demand, this old meal is being seen in a new light. Ingredients being used to make these are more nutritious. There are low-sodium, organic, and preservative-free canned foods now. Staying healthy, without going through a tiresome, time-consuming food preparation procedure, is now easy.

You can pick organic canned vegetables and preservative-free soups for your pantry too. 

Here’s what’s up in the canned food market:

Today we have options for Sustainable canned food brand or a ready-to-eat meal. With the modern transformation, we have seen that canned foods can be both convenient and conscientious.

Dairy Industry Transformation: Plant-Based and Organic Innovations

The dairy industry is more than just milk, cheese, and yoghurt. As we learn more about the human body, we have come to realize that every human body is different. Consumers no longer want to grab something off the shelf, they want healthier and more sustainable products. With research, development, and innovation, we now have plant-based alternatives. Also, there is a growing demand for organic dairy products. The changes that we see in the dairy industry reflect just that.

With increasing awareness all around, plant-based dairy alternatives are no longer products that is only available to the rich and fancy. Products like almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk have stopped being exclusive items. Plant-based milk manufacturers are creating creamy, flavorful alternatives that give competition to traditional dairy. These products are for the vegans and lactose-intolerant individuals. Or anybody that wants to only have ethically sourced products that reduces environmental footprint.

Organic dairy products are becoming more and more sought after. Consumers now want their milk, cheese, and yogurt free from any synthetic hormones and antibiotics. The food and beverage industry has heard them loud and clear. Brands are now bringing to the market organic dairy options that adhere to strict certification standards.

Skimmed milk powder is another popular choice for health-conscious consumers as nutritious dairy alternative. Find some best skimmed milk powder options to suit your needs and preferences.

There is also the option of functional dairy products. Those include - probiotic yogurts, protein-enriched milk, and calcium-fortified cheeses. Such products claim to give you improved - digestion, bones, and immunity.

People these days are always thinking about sustainability, and it is a good thing. If not anything, just to remain relevant, the dairy companies now must take up eco-friendly practices. Those include - reducing water usage, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and using recyclable packaging. 

Take a look at what is trending in the dairy industry:

The plant-based milk alternative or organic yogurt, suggest that we have moved on from a one-size-fits-all kind of way of living. 

Fast Food Reinvented: Healthier and Quick-Service Options

There was a time when fast food meant greasy burgers and fries. A makeover is taking place and that idea is changing. People now want healthier fast food and quick-service options. Food and drink items makers are having to adapt to serve an increasing number of health-conscious, perpetually busy individuals. 

Visit any local fast-food joint and you will see there are more salad options on the menu. Grilled-chicken sandwiches and plant-based burgers are on offer too. The rise of healthier menu options is a good thing. Due to the active participation of healthy fast food brands, you can now enjoy meals made with fresh, whole ingredients and fewer preservatives.

Plant-based fast food has taken up a permanent spot in the menu as well. Popular chains are joining hands with plant-based meat suppliers. So, now we see burgers, nuggets, and sandwiches that are made particularly for vegans and flexitarians. Such foods take care of our health and the environment too.

There is a saying that you are what you eat. Every person is different in body and mind. This is the era of being in control of what you eat. So, it is understandable that food and beverage companies are striving to bring in more and more options. Many restaurants are going as far as allowing their customers the chance to build their own meals. You can sift through different proteins, toppings, and sauces to come up with a dish as exclusive as yourself.

While they are reinventing fast food, sustainability cannot be overlooked at all. More and more fast food and drink companies are going for biodegradable packaging. They are also reducing food wastage and making more people aware of the harms of it. Another way in which they are helping to achieve sustainability is by procuring their ingredients locally. 

Here’s a what is going on in the fast-food industry:

It is loud and clear that we do not need to compromise health and sustainability for convenience. The availability of Healthy fast food meal such as plant-based burger shows how far we have come from greasy, oil-soaked fries.

Seafood and Fish: Sustainable Sourcing and Frozen Innovations

In this era of making healthy and sustainable choices, the seafood industry is not lagging behind either. It is rolling on waves of sustainable sourcing and frozen innovations. More and more people now know and understand the price the environment is paying dur to our greedy overfishing. Consumers are now adamant about getting themselves ethically sourced, fresh sea food. 

Companies are acting accordingly as they take notes and get themselves equipped with the latest technology. For sustainable seafood, they are working together with fisheries and avoiding bycatch and protecting marine ecosystems. You can actively take part in securing the marine lives in our seas. All you have to do is get products from sustainable seafood suppliers. Their products have certifications from organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

Being more aware and only getting food from sustainable seafood suppliers does not mean letting go of known conveniences. It means that you want the benefits without the harm. This opens up room for frozen seafood innovations. With our modern freezing technology, it is now possible to keep the freshness and flavor intact. So, now you can enjoy your frozen salmon fillets and ready-to-cook shrimp as fresh as can be. And that too, far away from the sea. 

With clean-label seafood, you can be extra-sure about the quality of the product. These are the products that are free from additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. Seafood, when least processed, has its true ‘sea smell’ locked.

The below table shows what is up with the seafood and fish market:

With more and more sustainably sourced fish or frozen seafood innovations, our seas are once again going to be safe for marine lives to boom.

Flour and Grains: Organic and Specialty Flour Products

People are now more inclined to get organic flour and specialty grain products. People now want to eat healthy and do not mind the excitement that might come with it. Their cooking has now become more adventurous as they now look for flours and grains with interesting flavors and nutritional benefits. 

Consumers have now chosen to consciously move away from wheat that is grown using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. All they want is organic flour! The agribusiness has paid heed to this demand so now you have whole wheat and gluten-free options from organic flour manufacturers. 

Ancient and specialty grains are also coming up more and more in people’s choice of ingredients. People with a knack for adventure, are going for - quinoa, spelt, and teff. These grains are gluten-free baking alternatives to the regular wheat flour. Brands in the agribusiness are also introducing specialty flour blends. With these, you will be able to get extra nutrition and also, quench you thirst of exploring new flavors. Many agribusiness companies have taken it to the designing table. They are churning out flours with additional nutrients such as protein, fiber, or vitamins. 

Sustainability is never far away for the modern-day food and beverage industry. Brands are doing their part in maintaining sustainability by getting their grains from regenerative farms. They are also going for the least amount of packaging. This strikes a chord with environmentally conscious consumers who want their food choices to not harm the environment.

Here’s a snapshot of the key trends in the flour and grains market:

Today we have organic flour for baking or specialty grain blends for cooking. This shows how companies paying heed to the consumers and are proving their worth through innovation.

Food Additives and Ingredients: Natural and Functional Solutions

Consumers now are against putting artificial chemicals or flavors in their bodies. They want natural additives and functional ingredients. The food additive industry has taken notes and are acting accordingly. More and more natural food additive suppliers are now abandoning the use of synthetic and chemical-based ingredients and are choosing plant-based alternatives. You will see in the market the increased availability of products that use turmeric for color, rosemary extract for preservation, and stevia for sweetness. 

Consumers are going for Functional ingredients too. These are additives that improves - digestion, immunity, and heart health. There is an increased presence of products like probiotic cultures, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber supplements in many products.

Today, people do not want ingredients on their food that are foreign to them or item they cannot pronounce. As a result, clean-label products are becoming more popular these days. People have become more protective of their health.

They want to steer clear of products that contain artificial additives and unnecessary chemicals. The brands in the food and drinks industry are reverting to simpler times. They are making their ingredients list easy to understand and are also using natural food ingredients.

The food and drink companies know that people do not want their purchases to harm the environment. Brands work to maintain that.

Take a look at the food additives and ingredients market:

People now do not want to compromise with their health or sustainability. That is why companies are bringing natural food additives for cleaner labels or functional ingredients for added health benefits.

Frozen and Dried Foods: Convenience Without Compromising Nutrition

With consumers having a busy lifestyle, always needing to dash, no wonder frozen and dried food is thriving. Unlike earlier times, the modern-day convenient meal solutions do not sacrifice nutrition.

This is a blessed time to be alive as we can supply nutrients to our bodies in the form of flash-frozen fruits and vegetables. So, what are these? Flash-frozen fruits and vegetables are picked when these are most mature and then frozen immediately. This way nutrients and freshness are conserved. 

Frozen vegetable suppliers are bringing to the market everything from broccoli florets to mixed berries. You now do not have to go back and forth choosing the same old boring fruits and vegetables. There is countless option to spoil you. 

For the ones that have gotten tired of the regular, colorful fruits and vegetables are healthier option. They can also consider freeze-dried snacks. These lightweight, portable foods are particularly designed for people who are always on-the-go. Options in this range includes - freeze-dried fruit chips, vegetable crisps, and even full meals.

Food and beverage companies seem to be going the extra mile as they are coming up with new products to appease the consumers. You will find low-sodium frozen meals and preservative-free dried foods in the market today. 

Another positive note is that all of these products are being wrapped and packaged with eco-friendly material only. Using recyclable materials and reduced plastic is the way to move forward. 

Here’s what is up in the frozen and dried food market:

We are long past the era when a quick eating meant munching on unhealthy, preservative-filled frozen food. Now, you can be equally busy yet enjoy healthy frozen vegetables for a quick stir-fry or freeze-dried snacks as a healthy treat.

Snacks and Health Foods: Functional and Nutrient-Dense Options

Chips and cookies are no longer the representatives of the snack food and beverage industry. It’s evolving to meet the demand for functional snacks and nutrient-dense health foods. Like with all the other food-type industries, a reimagining, reinventing is going on here too. So, now for snacking, you do not get food to just munch on, you get items that give you improved energy, digestion, and immunity. The idea is that snacks can do more than just satisfy a craving.

Today protein-packed snacks are all around. People are chomping on protein bars and popping nut mixes, and roasted chickpeas for extra energy or just to kill time. If you are a fitness enthusiast then this is a great time to be alive have.

High-protein snack manufacturers are making products for both fitness enthusiasts and busy professionals. You can now get superfood snacks with nutrient-rich ingredients like chia seeds, quinoa, and acai berries. Products ranging from granola bars to kale chips for people who want more are becoming more available.

With functional snacks you sign up for amazing health benefits, such as improved gut health, better sleep, or more focus. Interesting products that satiate the hunger and takes care of your health includes probiotic-rich snack bars, melatonin-infused trail mixes, or brain-boosting nut butters.

Ongoing trends in the snack and health food market:

Indulgence is not always bad. The food and drink item makers are determined to prove that health and indulgence can join hands. You can choose a high-protein snack for a quick energy boost or a superfood granola bar for a nutritious treat. Overall, it is a great time to give in to cravings without the burden of guilt.

Tea, Coffee, and Honey: Premium and Organic Product Trends

The world of tea, coffee, and honey is abuzz with inventiveness. This is a response to consumers from the food and beverage manufacturing companies as they bring forth premium products and organic options. 

For specialty coffee and tea, consumers do not mind paying more. They want single-origin coffee beans, artisanal blends, and rare tea leaves. And they want it to be free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Wholesale coffee bean suppliers are providing just that. The markets are already flooded with Premium tea brands that come in flavors like matcha, hibiscus, and turmeric.

If you demand more, then there’s functional beverages for you. These type of tea and coffee comes with extra health benefits. Having these means taking care of your such as digestion, energy, or sleep. These are available in the form of - probiotic teas, mushroom coffee, or adaptogenic blends. Tea and coffee now give more than just the traditional caffeine boost.

When it comes to honey, raw and organic honey is in the limelight for its natural sweetness and health benefits. Just being a natural product with the age-old benefits is not enough now. Food products must give more. Brands now offer us honey that contain other superfoods like ginger, cinnamon, or propolis. With these you get a delicious item to savor, and your health receives treatment too.

Sustainability here means supporting fair-trade farmers, and promoting bee conservation. Responsible brands make sure that sustainability is not compromised at all. 

Have a look at the trends in the tea, coffee, and honey market:

Sometimes, we all need to pamper ourselves. Going for a single-origin coffee the moment you wake up is one way to do that. And, to show your body some love, use raw honey infusion for a natural sweetener.

Top Food and Beverage Product Market Leaders by Country

The global food and beverage industry is bustling with players who are market leaders in their own countries. These companies have taken on challenges day in and day out. These have solved problems with their persistent inventiveness, and now are enjoying success globally. One thing that they all did was, they paid heed to customer demands.

Below is a table showing some of the top market leaders by country and their flagship products.

These companies survived and became big because they not for once compromised their inventiveness and preference for diversity, variety. From dairy products to alcoholic beverages, these companies continue to hurl challenges at each other on the global platform by giving their best.

B2BMAP Connecting Businesses in the Food and Beverage Industry

Today, the market is more competitive than it ever was before. For continued success, not fluke, you need the right partners and resources. You can be a food product supplier looking to expand your reach. Or, maybe you are a beverage manufacturer fishing for new opportunities.

With the right tools, you will be well-equipped enough to take on any challenges that is hurled at you. Here, platforms like B2BMAP can help you out. It is not just a website where you buy or sell products. In the simplest way possible, it is a business directory using which you connect with companies across the globe.

For better business presence, you can use the business listing services. With it, you can reach out and present your products to a targeted audience. With such tools the chances of coming across potential buyers, partners, and distributors from food and beverage industry increases many folds.

Buy leads platforms make it easier for you to come in contact with buyers who are looking to purchase. We know how valuable your time is. That is why, if you get yourself on such platforms, you will be able to identify worthwhile leads in no time. This will save you so much time, and will also take you closer to your full selling potential.

With the companies directory, sift through and explore various companies until something hits home. This tool is not just a list. With it, you get a detailed overview of businesses in various sectors, including food and beverage. With it, you forgo working hard and take up working smart. This tool brings to you all these suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors that are in sync with your needs.

The food and beverage business directory is exclusively designed so that companies can further save time and effort to find industry-specific players. So, whatever it is that you are looking for - ingredients, machinery, or packaging - this directory is going to be your friend. It is designed to find you partners that will stick with you through thick and thin.

By posting buy requirements, you can communicate your demands directly to suppliers. This way you can take care of your particular procurement needs. With this feature, you can rest assured that your demands are going to reach the right people.  

Incorporating these tools in your partner-finding endeavor will get you to make valuable connections.

The Final Cut

It is a critical moment for the food and beverage industry. Consumer needs are always changing and it is leaning heavily towards health and sustainability. To be in competition, there’s no other option for companies but to adapt. It seems that the entire industry is working together with strong focus on health, sustainability, and innovation.

Plant-based diets, clean labeling, and functional foods are trends that indicate a positive change in the market. This evolvement is also observed in the wide availability of gluten-free snacks and organic beverages.

There is no way to overlook the part that technology is playing in this great, big shift from the usual. Due to modern tech, production in the food processing industry has become faster and more efficient. The agribusiness is also working closely to provide raw materials of the best quality.

Once again, Sustainability is no longer a choice. It is a matter of great hope that both the parties on either side of the food and beverage industry, companies and consumers, agree about the importance of sustainability.

Consumers want eco-friendly products. And brands are acting accordingly as they bring to the market recyclable packaging. This shift is good for the planet and business too.