Here are some notable food trends and innovations from the past few years:
- Plant-Based Alternatives: The popularity of plant-based diets has led to a surge in plant-based meat alternatives and dairy substitutes. Companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have gained widespread attention for their plant-based burgers.
- Alternative Proteins: In addition to plant-based proteins, there has been a rise in alternative protein sources such as insect-based proteins, lab-grown meat, and other sustainable protein options.
- Functional Foods: Consumers are increasingly interested in foods with added health benefits. This has led to the development of functional foods fortified with vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds.
- Food Waste Reduction: Innovations aimed at reducing food waste have gained traction. This includes the use of “ugly” produce, upcycled food products, and apps that connect consumers with surplus food from restaurants and grocery stores.
- Smart Kitchen Appliances: The integration of technology into the kitchen has led to the development of smart appliances and devices, such as smart ovens, cooking apps, and connected kitchen gadgets that enhance the cooking experience.
- Personalised Nutrition: Advances in technology and understanding of genetics have led to an increased focus on personalized nutrition. Companies are offering DNA-based diets and personalized meal plans tailored to an individual’s unique nutritional needs.
- Diverse Flavors and Ingredients: There is a growing interest in exploring diverse flavors and ingredients from around the world. This includes the incorporation of exotic spices, superfoods, and traditional ingredients from various cultures into mainstream cuisine.
Stephen is a hospitality professional from Johannesburg South Africa. His career started with THF hotels in the UK and subsequently with the Southern Sun Hotel group in Johannesburg. Stephen’s first steps into entrepreneurship was Hickmore Recruitment / CareerMap, a leading supplier of Senior and Exec recruitment services. Stephen was a founder of Pple Hospitality (formerly HSC) the largest Hospitality Industry full-service outsourced staffing company in South Africa. In March 2020 Stephen became a director and owner of the Swiss Hotel School South Africa, which is now his full time endeavour. Stephen writes for a number of publications on food and hospitality industry matters, trends and opinions.
