It’s easy to argue that the food industry works with a commodity that hasn’t really changed much over the past century or so. Food is food, right? And so how much could the industry itself have changed?
But that couldn’t be further from the truth – While exploring this dynamic evolution, we invite you to check out our Bulk Product List for innovative sourcing options that cater to your diverse needs.
The food industry is at the forefront of not only new food sciences but also embracing the latest technologies that make the behind-the-scenes journey nearly incomparable to even the year before.
So now that you’re on the edge of your seat in anticipation or smirking with a critical “Yeah right”, let’s delve into some of the latest trends that are actively transforming the food industry for everyone from CPG food brands to wholesale importers.
Exploring the furthest reaches of alternative and insect proteins
Lab-grown cultured meat, plant-based proteins, edible insects, and fungi mycoprotein – these are all part of the race for alternative protein solutions.
“They taste like bacon.” Those were the words Tarzan used in 2016’s The Legend of Tarzan as he consumed them for his post-fight dinner. Following a skeptical glance, his friend, George Washington, continued to sample the protein snack. And from the expression on his face, it would seem that he agreed with the assessment.
While several cinema-goers may have gone, “Yuck!”, there were those who sat back and breathed a sigh of relief, “Finally someone gets it.”
Insect proteins are taking the culinary world by storm (or is that swarm?) in the search for sustainable protein solutions. In Richard Godwin’s article, If We Want to Save the Planet, the Future of Food is Insects, the author discusses his own family’s sampling of dried mealworms, cricket crackers, and crunchy grasshoppers while exploring the importance of diversity in the alternative protein market.
Companies like Divaks, which we discovered at 2023’s Supplyside West Expo, are creating insect proteins that answer the needs of consumers without sacrificing nut
While insect protein may sound like a solution with no buy-in potential, 50% of Western consumers are already open to the possibility of adding insects to their diets. And the more the idea becomes a part of the zeitgeist, the more the possibilities will grow.
Companies like Fermotein are going in the other direction entirely, exploring the use of fungi and non-allergenic crops in the creation of meat-free proteins. What makes plant-based complete proteins so attractive is their versatility and use as functional ingredients beyond “meat alternative”.
Advances in molecular biology, fermentation, and 3D printing are helping these producers of alternative proteins to offer a sustainable and easily monitored answer to a matter that is quickly demanding the world’s attention.
Establishing a safer future for nutraceuticals
With more consumers concerned about the lack of basic nutrients in modern diets, nutraceutical brands are addressing the void by making healthy eating preventative rather than reactive.
Natural probiotics created by fermented organic foods, such as krauts and kimchi, are at the heart of this industry, along with supplement brands that are creating personalized nutrition, where precise doses of key ingredients are measured out at a molecular level.
A smarter and more transparent approach to packaging
The nutraceutical industry’s advancements have also triggered new developments in packaging industries due to the unique requirements of the products.
Advanced barrier materials that preserve the bioactive compounds of nutraceutical products are being relied on more and more to ensure consumers receive the promoted benefits. These materials protect the product against external elements such as moisture, oxygen, temperatures, and light, extending the shelf life of the product substantially.
At the same time, smart packaging is also making giant leaps in the age of informed consumer experiences. It allows consumers to trace the journey of their products, giving customers the ability to delve deeper into the product’s composition, manufacturing process, and nutritional benefits when they scan the included QR code. From policy shifts to cutting-edge innovations, the future of food is being reshaped on multiple fronts.
When it comes to supplements, though, the answer lies in the possibilities of 3D printing.
Personalization at scale through 3D printing
3D printing has made it possible to mix different active ingredients in layers, creating a customized delivery system that activates according to specific profile requirements. These custom carrier shapes can now optimize the body’s absorption of key nutrients.
It’s clear that 3D printers have reached beyond the manufacturing floors of the food industry into the kitchens themselves. Since NASA made it possible for astronauts to print pizzas in space (yep, you read it right), the door has been wide open to explore the versatile possibilities of these machines.
Where they were once only used to print chocolate and confectionary items, 3D printers are now revolutionizing the way alternative protein companies and nutraceutical brands deliver their products.
Engaging directly with customers through eCommerce
Customization and individualized service experiences are becoming the norm in the eCommerce landscape, where businesses can provide a tailored journey to customers through tools like retargeting. Brands are even taking testimonials and social proof to the next level by collaborating with influencers and making user experiences a core part of their websites.
But instead of keeping direct customer experiences digital, more and more brands have begun embracing the D2C (direct-to-customer) distribution models that help brands retain control of their service delivery right to the end.
Embracing the AI-driven digital food management
Big data analytics and digital resource management have been a part of the manufacturing scene for a long time. But with the rise of AI tools and accessible data analytics software, businesses of all sizes can increase inventory visibility, reduce waste, anticipate demand, analyze trends, and all in all just manage inventory more effectively than ever before.
The takeaway
For bulk importers and wholesale suppliers, it really does feel like a brave new world we’re entering.
Pizza in space? Cricket crackers? Packaging that tells a whole story? There are so many new technologies and product possibilities on the horizon that we can’t wait to introduce to our customers and see what new doors they open for your brand.
Get in touch with us and let’s start the conversation that could change the way you source your ingredients.
