The end of 2020 is finally upon us! As we happily turn the page on this year, here’s a look back at the biggest stories we published. Not surprisingly, most of them were COVID-19-related. Even as we begin putting the pandemic behind us, the trends that arose this year will likely continue to influence the industry going forward.
1. Food Innovation During and After COVID-19
A typical year sees the launch of 20,000 new food and beverage products. The pandemic changed that as consumers shifted away from adventurous eating and toward comfort food and many companies put their product launch plans on hold. But that doesn’t mean innovation stopped — it just looked a little different from before.
2. How Is Coronavirus Impacting the Food Industry?
The pandemic had an immediate and significant impact on the food industry, from disease outbreaks to supply chain disruptions and consumer stockpiling behavior. This article, published in March and updated in May, provides an overview of the early stages of the crisis.
3. Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Food Industry
Early in 2020, we published a report based on a survey of respondents from across the food industry. Though the data are from before the pandemic, many of the trends, challenges, and opportunities are still relevant in today’s climate.
4. Grocery Shopping Habits of Gen Z and Millennials
When it comes to purchasing priorities, the younger generations are different from their predecessors. But, regardless of generation, most consumers want convenience. This report, from before the pandemic started, provides a look at what consumers ages 28-39 want in a grocery shopping experience.
5. COVID-19 and Food Production Challenges
In the early days of the pandemic, many food companies saw their production fall off considerably, especially those that sell to foodservice establishments. On the other hand, companies that supply grocery stores had a tough time keeping up with the increased demand.
6. The Effects of Coronavirus on the Pet Food Industry
The pet food industry saw demand soar, in part because people have adopted more pets during the pandemic and in part because of stockpiling. This meant pet food companies had to act quickly to safely increase production.
7. Importance of Developing Sustainable Food Packaging
Sustainability has become increasingly important for food companies as both consumers and investors prioritize the health of the planet. As of early 2020, 80% of the top 25 largest CPG companies were working toward recyclable packaging for all of their products.
8. 70% of Consumers Adding More Frozen Foods to Their Carts: American Frozen Food Institute
The pandemic has spurred major growth in frozen foods as consumers sought to limit their trips to the grocery store. At the end of March 2020, frozen food sales were up 94% compared to the year before, with many people buying frozen for the first time.
9. 4 Mega Trends That Will Define the Food Industry in 2021
It’s hard to believe, but 2020 is nearly over! This article summarizes what various industry experts believe will be the biggest trends for the coming year.
10. COVID-19 Increases Consumer Demand for Functional Foods and Beverages
Functional foods were gaining popularity before COVID-19. The pandemic has supercharged their appeal as more and more consumers see diet as a key contributor to their overall health and well-being.
Thank you for engaging with us this year! We wish you a safe, healthy, and happy 2021.
