2023 Global Trends Impacting Food Beverage, and Pet Product Development
Consumer Trends Driving New Innovation
As trends evolve and consumer interests shift, brands can stay ahead of the curve by formulating around macro drivers and their current market manifestations. Sensient’s annual consumer insights represent the latest analysis of consumer demands and market drivers. Developers, marketing teams, and brand leaders can differentiate new launches with innovative concepts and brilliant colour inspiration from these trends.
Sample Colour Solutions to Bring Trending Ideas to Life in New Products
Discover Sensient’s Consumer Insights for Global Food Industry Trends
Consumers are eager to break out of their restrictions and are in search of joyful products that allow them to explore, indulge, and live in the moment. Bold, eye-catching colours draw attention and drive shopper excitement for new products and deliciously different flavours.
Why? The world is changing and where and when consumers work and play has shifted, with priorities around wellness, especially mental health and a sense of community heightened, causing consumers to seek out more moments of joy and bliss.
77% of US adults agree enjoying indulgent food with others is a great way to spend time.
Mintel 2022
76% of Saudi Arabian consumers say that they tend to buy the premium version of a product.
Mintel 2022
94% of Colombian consumers say they seek fun in all aspects of life.
Mintel 2022
Source: Mintel GNPD
Sensationalism
Now more than ever, we have delicious, over-the-top and thrilling products, allowing us more opportunities to savor, indulge and thoroughly enjoy the adventure.
Concept Inspiration:
Electric Lemonade Vodka
Sensient Colour Solution:
True Pineapple Yellow made with Advanced Emulsion Technology™
Elevated Enjoyment
The focus on enjoyment and treating oneself has consumers reconsidering the notion of value, and innovation around elevated consumer experiences has invigorated a wave of premiumization.
Mad Mashups
Consumers enjoy collaborations of their favorite products, formats and flavours, both new and old, especially when they combine to make something even more delicious, fun, or creative.
Concept Inspiration:
Neapolitan Ice Cream
Flavoured Popcorn
Sensient Colour Solution:
Cardea™ Macchiato Brown, Cherry Red and Marine Blue Microfines™
Whether local or global, from nature or science, shoppers seek food solutions that promote sustainability and safety and welfare of our planet and our bodies. Natural, organic, and plant-based colour solutions support brands seeking to meet consumer demands for simple and recognizable ingredient lists.
Why? Consumers grapple with growing concerns from all sides: from food safety, nutrition, to ethical sourcing and look for brands and products that help them determine ways to shop that are ethically sound, focused on personal wellbeing, and instill health in their everyday lives through fun ways.
60% of US consumers
agree that food products with fewer ingredients tend to be healthier.
Mintel 2022
76% of Chinese consumers
are interested in plant-based meat.
Mintel 2022
Plant-Based claims grew 307% across food and beverage products launched between 2017-2021.
Mintel 2022
Source: Mintel GNPD
Clean Label Cues
Consumers desire simple, clean products and ingredients with free-from labels and are shifting behavior and changing consumption to focus on short ingredient lists and recognizable and simple ingredients.
Plant-Based
Consumers are turning to plant-based offerings, that show familiar food products with better-for-you ingredients. These products pack in nutrients all while delivering fun colours, flavours and ingredients.
Concept Inspiration:
Spicy Chipotle
Plant-Based Burger
Sensient Colour Solution:
Crimson Brown
Increased uncertainty has led to consumers wanting a sense of control over their lives, seeking solutions that help them feel like they’re in the driver’s seat, also finding comfort in solutions grounded in the familiar. Colours connect with known profiles and themes to bring to life food and beverage products that sooth and inspire.
Why? Given the tumultuous economic, political and social uncertainty caused by COVID-19 and global conflicts, consumers are grasping for control, connection and familiarity when it comes to their personal preferences in the marketplace.
71% of US consumers say that they enjoy things that remind them of their past (e.g. childhood).
Mintel 2021
72% of German Gen-Zers
say that it’s hard not to be anxious about the future.
Mintel 2022
36% of Thai adults agree that over the last six months they craved comfort food more often during the prolonged stay-at-home period.
Mintel 2022
Source: Mintel GNPD
Familiar with a Twist
Consumers are finding comfort in tried-and-true staples that provide a sense of safety while offering something new and different in form, texture or flavour.
Concept Inspiration:
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Flavoured
Baked Crackers
Sensient Colour Solution:
SupraRed™ and Vanilla Yellow
Comfort Culture
In today’s world, consumers are in search of comfort as a reflection of our family, our cultural heritage, or self-identified community, providing a source of solace and sense of belonging in an increasingly disconnected world.
Homebody
With so many sources of inspiration, consumers are looking to experience a sense of adventure from the comfort of their home, with solutions that also better meet their budget.
Throughout the year, consumers shift and evolve, and they seek out products that evoke transformations, coupled with the anticipation of seasonal favorites that help them mark time. Shades that evoke blends, transitions, or seasonal themes support exciting new products.
Why? As consumers face economic and social constraints that impact their mental and physical health, they turn to food, drinks, and cosmetics to express their individuality, experience novelty, and positively transform their wellbeing.
The leading markets for Christmas/winter seasonal innovation are the UK, US and Germany, which together account for over 30% of new launches.
Mintel 2021
44% of US diners are encouraged to try new flavours by the appearance (e.g., vibrant colours) of the food.
Mintel 2022
61% of Australians put a lot of thought into what they eat.
Mintel 2022
Source: Mintel GNPD
Awaken My Senses
Consumers relish multi-sensory experiences and are seeking products that transform before their eyes and create an interactive, provocative product experience.
Concept Inspiration:
Superfruit Colour-Changing Powdered Sports Performance Drink Stick
Sensient Colour Solution:
Berry Microfine™ + Blue Spectraflecks
Mood Food
Consumers are looking for engaging experiences that also offer functional, mood-boosting benefits.
Concept Inspiration:
Calming Lavender Hard Boiled Candies
Sensient Colour Solution:
Fusion Purple Grape
Seasonal Shifts
The seasons change, and with them consumer preferences for certain solutions change as well, seeking seasonal flavours and favorites.
Concept Inspiration:
Pumpkin Paws
Baked Treats
Sensient Colour Solution:
Butterscotch Yellow
Trends can inspire and capture attention in the new product development process. Sensient colour experts are excited to help bring new ideas to life for your brand!
To start benchtop formulation, request a sample here. For more information, colour advice, concept inspiration, or troubleshooting, you can request a customized consultation with one of our local team members.
