Innovate to Success: 4 Food and Drink Trends Manufacturers Should Embrace in 2024

The food and drink industry is ready for significant changes and advancements in production in 2024. From plant-based and mindful food choices to the impact of innovative technologies, manufacturers continue to shift toward creating food and beverage products that align with today’s consumer preferences. Read on to see what's on the menu for this year with the latest trends.

Technological Advancements in Manufacturing

The consumer-packaged goods industry has witnessed significant technological advancements in manufacturing processes. These advancements have revolutionized food and beverage production, ensuring greater efficiency, improved quality, and enhanced safety throughout the supply chain.

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in food production is a notable advancement. AI and ML algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to optimize various aspects of manufacturing, such as ingredient selection, recipe formulation, and production line management. By leveraging AI and ML technologies, food manufacturers can streamline their operations, reduce costs, and deliver products that meet the evolving demands of consumers.

Furthermore, advanced manufacturing techniques enhance food safety and quality, providing additional confidence to manufacturers and consumers regarding the safety and quality of food and drink products.

As a leading filtration and separation solutions provider, Pall Corporation understands the importance of these technological advancements in the food and drink industry. Our innovative products and expertise enable manufacturers to optimize manufacturing processes, enhance product quality, and ensure food safety. Learn more about IoT in brewing here.

Flavors: Where Comfort Meets Cultural Diversity

Trends in flavors are constantly evolving. Our 2022 trends blog discussed how nostalgic and exotic flavors grew in popularity. Two years later, consumers still crave the exotic, with Asian flavors including black sesame, pink guava and dragon fruit in food and drink creations. Floral and spicy flavors are also peppering taste exploration with chili peppers making their way into products from meats, snacks and relishes. Discover the filtration solutions supporting business to achieve tastier flavors.

Feeding the Mind and Body

Last year, healthy plant and mindful food and beverage choices were a top trend. It is no surprise that this continues into 2024. Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, transparent labeling, and authenticity is key to consumer's hearts again this year. Choices of food that directly impact physical and mental well-being are top of mind with social media playing a part in promoting remedy recipes. This trend has picked up pace with brands creating products that support different stages of life including pregnancy, menopause and ingredients that address sleep.

Likewise, plant power remains, but with the market returning to its roots. While in 2023 companies experimented with vegan and vegetarian concoctions as well as cultivated meats, the consumer revolt against "ultra-processed" foods has led manufacturers to return to basics and create food that is minimally processed as possible. New and emerging protein-forward products include mushrooms, nuts, seeds and legumes as meat replacement options. Learn more about plant protein purification methods here.

Eco-Friendly Eats – But Make it Affordable

Unsurprisingly, sustainable food and drink choices remain a top trend into 2024. Manufacturers are prioritizing sustainability in their processes. The heightened demand for sustainable food brands comes alongside the cost-of-living crisis and affordability of environmentally-friendly choices. FMCG Guru’s trend report shows that more than half of global consumers are looking to reduce their spend on food and drink due to rising costs. A decrease in brand loyalty and a greater willingness among consumers to explore alternative products could result, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for manufacturers to demonstrate their sustainable choices and how consumers can maximize value with their food and drink choices. Implementing the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart machines can improve sustainability and operating expenses, which is a win-win for both the manufacturer and the consumer.

Discover why filtration is key to efficient, sustainable beer that consumers demand: our survey results here.