- Businesses for Good: In the future, successful companies will be those committed to improving the well-being of both the planet and its people.

- Personalized Nutrition: Technological advancements will allow consumers to create highly customized approaches to enhance their physical and mental health.

Source: Mintel.

- Tech-Driven Food Solutions: Consumer confidence in food science and technology will grow as these become essential for securing the food supply.

Mintel, a market research firm focused on consumer insights, has identified three significant trends expected to shape the global food, drink, and food service industries in the coming decade:

Consumers will increasingly prioritize plant-based options, driven by concerns for both personal and planetary health. Efforts to reduce food waste will be central to promoting sustainable consumption and innovation.

Consumers will gain deeper insights into their unique needs through health testing services, AI-powered apps, and increased data collection. With longer lifespans, consumers will be particularly interested in understanding how dietary choices impact long-term cognitive health.

Brands will leverage science and technology to develop innovative products, expedite production processes, and build consumer trust. Emerging ingredient sources, like Africa and India, along with agricultural advancements such as floating farms, will address global food security challenges.

Here’s what Alex Beckett, Associate Director of Mintel Food & Drink, has to say:

Change, Incorporated

“Over the next ten years, consumers will seek out companies demonstrating leadership and tangible progress in areas like environmental sustainability, ethical business practices, public health, and other social causes. They will actively support brands actively addressing and working to improve these important societal concerns. The most successful companies in the decade ahead will be those that empower this new age of mindful consumption. These conscious consumers of tomorrow will not only look for eco-friendly packaging and products but also seek guidance on how to make their diets more environmentally sound.”

Smart Diets

“In the future, a growing number of consumers will have access to detailed information about their biology through personalized health testing kits, empowering them to create highly individualized diet and wellness plans. These tools will provide consumers with the insights they need to address all facets of their well-being, including mental and emotional health. As a result, to thrive in the coming decade, brands must offer more customized product options, develop smart home solutions, and help consumers prioritize both brain and mood health.”

High-Tech Harvests

“Science will become increasingly intertwined with the food supply chain, playing a critical role in enhancing food production and mitigating the impact of climate change. Highlighting the sustainability, health, and affordability benefits of lab-grown foods will be essential in educating consumers about these nature-identical alternatives. However, it remains crucial for the food and drink industry to emphasize the continued importance of nature and human involvement when sharing the story behind these modern solutions. Transparency will be paramount in building consumer trust as scientists take on a more prominent role alongside farmers. Ultimately, showcasing the people behind our food—whether it’s cultivated in a lab or a field—will remain a timeless and effective way to foster consumer confidence.