The food and beverage industry in the United States is subject to constant evolution, influenced by factors ranging from consumer preferences to technological innovation.
These trends reflect not only changes in eating tastes and habits, but also the economic and social dynamics that impact the food industry in the United States.
Here we share with you:
1. Preference for sustainable foods
Sustainability is positioned as a key priority for American consumers. An increase in demand for sustainably produced food products is expected, from environmentally friendly agricultural practices to the adoption of eco-friendly packaging. Companies that demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility can gain the preference of the conscious consumer.
Examples:
Organic products
Snacks with Ecological Packaging
Sustainable Seafood Options
2. Focus on functional and healthy foods
Interest in health and wellness continues to drive demand for functional foods and improved nutritional options. Consumers are looking for products that are not only delicious, but also beneficial to their health. The inclusion of ingredients with functional properties and the promotion of healthy attributes can be significant differentiators in the US market.
Examples:
Probiotic Yogurt
3. Technology and consumer experience
Technological innovation continues to be an essential driver in the food and beverage industry in the United States. From mobile ordering apps to traceability technologies, companies are adopting technological solutions to improve the consumer experience and ensure transparency in the supply chain.
Examples:
Mobile Apps for Food Ordering
Contactless Payment Systems in Restaurants
Product Tracking Systems with QR Codes
Self-Service Kiosks
4. Rise of meat alternatives
The trend toward meat alternatives, whether plant-based or lab-grown, continues to gain steam in the United States. Consumers are looking for more sustainable and ethical options, and companies that offer innovative and tasty products in this segment could capture the market's attention.
Examples:
Vegetarian Burgers Based on Grains and Plants
Vegan Sausages with Various Flavors
Vegetarian Chicken Nuggets
Vegetable Protein-Based Meatballs
Meat Substitutes for Tacos and Burritos
5. Greater awareness of food provenance
American consumers are showing growing interest in where their food comes from. Transparency in the supply chain and the authenticity of ingredients are increasingly valued aspects. Companies that can effectively communicate the quality and origin of their products could build greater trust among consumers.
Cost of Products
The cost of products in the food and beverage industry is a critical factor that affects both companies and consumers. Several variables help determine costs, including:
Raw Materials:Fluctuation in the prices of raw materials, such as grains, meat and dairy products, can have a direct impact on production costs. Climatic conditions, natural events and geopolitical factors also influence the availability and prices of these raw materials.
Processing and production:Costs associated with processing, manufacturing, and logistics play an important role in determining the final cost of products. Operational efficiency and supply chain management are key to controlling these costs.
Regulations and compliance:Complying with health and food safety regulations can involve significant investments in quality controls, testing and audits. Companies must consider these costs to ensure compliance and consumer trust.
Innovation and product development: Investment in research and development to create new products or improve existing ones also contributes to the total cost. Innovation can offer opportunities to differentiate yourself in the market, but it involves investments.
Energy and sustainability: The cost of energy, along with the growing emphasis on sustainable practices, influences production decisions and efforts to reduce environmental footprint.
Price-quality ratio
The price-quality ratio is a crucial factor that influences the consumer's perception of the value of a product. Here are some key aspects highlighted:
Consumer expectations:Consumers evaluate the quality of a product in relation to its price. Expectations vary by food and beverage category, but in general, consumers seek a balance between price and quality.
Market competition:Competitive dynamics also affect the price-quality relationship. Companies must consider the offering of similar products in the market and adjust their pricing strategies to remain competitive.
Brand communication: Quality perception can be influenced by brand communication. Marketing strategies that highlight the quality of ingredients, production processes and ethical commitments can strengthen the price-quality relationship.
Perceived value: Consumer-perceived quality can be as important as actual quality. Factors such as packaging, presentation and customer experience contribute to the perceived value and, therefore, the price-quality ratio.
Pricing strategies: Pricing strategies, whether penetration, discount, or premium, affect consumer perceptions of the relationship between what they pay and what they receive. Transparency in pricing also plays a crucial role in consumer confidence.
The consumption of alternatives to animal proteins has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by various reasons ranging from environmental and ethical concerns to the search for healthier options. Here we present some key points related to the consumption of these alternatives:
Sustained growth
Alternatives to animal proteins, such as those based on plants (soy, peas, chickpeas) and those developed in the laboratory, have seen constant growth in demand.
This growth is attributed to factors such as environmental awareness, dietary ethics, personal health, and diversification of dietary options.
Motivations for consumption
Environmental impact:Concern about sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint associated with animal meat production has led many consumers to opt for plant-based alternatives.
Animal welfare: People looking to reduce or eliminate their meat consumption for ethical and animal welfare reasons find these alternatives an ethical option.
Innovation and variety of products
The food industry has responded with a wide range of innovative products, such as plant-based burgers, sausages, nuggets and other products that mimic the texture and flavor of animal meat.
The diversity of options has contributed to making alternatives to animal proteins accessible and palatable to a broader audience.
Market acceptance
Large fast food chains and restaurants have incorporated plant-based alternatives into their menus, demonstrating growing market acceptance and a response to consumer demand.
Alternatives to animal proteins have also become more accessible in supermarkets and grocery stores, making them easier to adopt at home.
Development of the laboratory-grown meat industry
Lab-grown meat, also known as cellular cultured meat, is emerging as a futuristic option. Companies are investing in the development of this technology to offer meat without the need to raise animals.
Challenges and opportunities
Although the market is growing, there are challenges, such as flavor and texture perception compared to traditional meat.
Continuous innovation, improvement in product quality and consumer education are key opportunities to further drive the consumption of these alternatives.
In the dynamic landscape of the American food industry, trends reflect a clear preference for sustainable foods, healthy options and alternatives to animal proteins. Although the growth in fast food consumption persists, a change is evident towards consumers seeking more conscious and ethical options.
In this context, Bosanet, our B2B marketplace, is presented as the ideal platform to connect restaurant owners and supermarket chains with Latin American food and beverage sellers.
With Bosanet, establishing strategic connections and accessing innovative products is easier than ever!
