We recently wrote about B2B web design trends. But this is hardly the only trend that’s worth exploring in 2020. B2B trends in the food industry are particularly exciting for this next year!
People’s attitudes to food and eating are evolving, which means that the food world needs to adapt to what consumers demand. Let’s take a look at how B2B in the food and beverage business will unfold in 2020.
F&B B2B Trend #1: Less Packaging, Less Waste
People are increasingly concerned about climate change and the environment. Part of their concerns and their efforts to mitigate their environmental imprint is to purchase food and beverage products with as little packaging as possible. Less packaging means less pollution during the production of the packaging and less pollution at their disposal. All in all, less waste.
F&B industry B2B companies need to follow this trend and respond to this demand.
Products that have little packaging or use recyclable packaging materials will be favored over plastic ones. Retailers are starting to ask their suppliers to reduce the quantity of plastic packaging and improve how biodegradable they are. Supermarkets have started to experiment with plastic-free aisles and it seems that people are responding favorably to this trend.
F&B B2B Trend #2: Sustainability
Sustainability does not only extend to the packaging side of products.
The purpose of businesses is changing. People are demanding more social responsibility.
This includes products that are sustainably sourced, with attention paid in terms of the environment, workers’ salaries, the reduction of pesticide use, and other concerns. This trend has been visible in the retail sector of the food and beverage industry for a while. It is now making its way into the B2B segment as well.
F&B B2B Trend #3: Healthy Habits And Nutritional Value
Consumers care more and more about what they eat and how healthy it is. They emphasize choosing foods, snacks, and drinks that offer nutritional value to their diet while keeping their calorie intake in check.
People are asking to eat foods that are clean, clearly-labeled and without any additives, extra sugars or sweeteners or flavors.
They demand fewer—if any—chemical additives and as little processing as possible.
The trend is for fresh products like fruit and vegetables, nuts, fibers, and good fats. Foods that are gluten-free, sugar-free and lactose-free are also attracting attention as people become more interested in their diets and more concerned about the health benefits that accrue from such diets. This movement is pushing ahead and B2B businesses should pay attention to it.
F&B B2B Trend #4: Artificial intelligence (AI) And The Internet of Things (IoT)
If you thought that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) only concern high-tech businesses, then it’s time to reconsider.
AI and IoT are already impacting the food and beverage industry.
The personalization of our consumption patterns has extended to the food industry. Apps and wearable devices remind people of when or how to take their food or drinks. And smart packaging is nudging its way into supermarket aisles and grocery stores.
If producers find a way to produce smart packaging in a cheaper and more efficient way, then this trend will involve B2B businesses as well.
F&B B2B Trend #5: Ethnic Food
We used to think that “ethnic” foods were unusual. But they have weaved their way into people’s everyday diets as consumers have included them in their lunch boxes, drinks, and snacks.
Ethnic foods like quinoa also qualify as healthy alternatives to wheat and therefore score highly in people’s minds about healthy eating habits.
As long as these alternatives are offered free of chemicals and artificial flavors, then they will keep attracting consumers. Let’s not forget that Instagram has made colorful and bright dishes trendy.
F&B B2B Trend #6: Animal Alternatives
The vegan diet is slowly expanding across the world.
People, and especially millennials, are increasingly concerned about climate change, animal suffering, and health benefits from an animal-free diet.
Many businesses are investing in research about meat-less meat, and we already have tofu and soybeans to substitute for cheese and meat. Vegan products are found in most supermarkets and restaurants and cafes are already offering vegan choices in their menus. It is only fitting that B2B businesses should follow suit and should accommodate these changing eating habits.