Amazon-run food retailer Holfd unveils 2020 agricultural trends. Whole Foods introduced CBD (cannabidiol) products, vegan meat snacks, and environmental packaging as trends last year. Whole Foods predicted that in 2020, trends such as regenerative agriculture, an agricultural method that restores soil conditions, as well as West African food and vegetable meat products will increase.
First is regenerative agriculture. By Whole Foods definition, regenerative agriculture refers to farming or grazing methods that revive degraded land. This approach can improve biodiversity and increase carbon capture, which can be beneficial to the environment in the long run. Agricultural methods include organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers or crop rotations that change crops periodically.
The second is fresh flour. Alternative wheat flour is becoming more and more mainstream as more and more people reject the trendy diet and gluten-free barley wheat and want to make breads that contain more protein and fiber. Whole Foods predicts that a new blend of flour will be introduced to the market in 2020. Flour using fruits and vegetables such as bananas, and cauliflower flour are expected to appear. It also predicted an increase in snack foods and snack foods made from alternative flours such as Tycanut and Seed Flour.
The third trend is West African food. The traditional West African flavor is spreading to all food and beverages. Tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, etc. are the basics of West African cuisine, and peanuts, ginger, and lemongrass are also very common foods as additives. The 16 countries in West Africa share similar foods, but with influences from the Middle East and Western Europe, each boasts different characteristics. Several global brands are visiting West Africa in search of superfoods such as Moringa, Tamarind, and lesser-known cereal grains such as Sorgum, Ponio, Tef and Millet.
The fourth trend is simple packaging foods that are eaten right out of the refrigerator. That is, it means a disposable packaged snack. The nutrition bar, with fresh fruits and vegetables added, was moved from the shelf to the refrigerator. It is explained that convenient food to be picked up and eaten right away is becoming a standard.
The fifth is plant-based food. Whole Foods predicts that green beans, burlap, pumpkin, avocado, watermelon seed, and golden chlorella will be used instead of beans, and some products will be served with a texture similar to yogurt or other dairy products. In addition, Whole Foods predicts that the popularity of plant-based products will continue.
The sixth is the emergence of a new kind of butter and spread. Whole Foods believes that nut butter, which goes beyond alternative spreads and cashews, almonds, and peanuts, will become popular in 2020. Watermelon seeds and pumpkin butter, which are famous for nutritional aspects and seasonality, are examples.
The seventh trend is organic products for children. Food brands are expected to focus on the next generation and make efforts to provide healthier products. For example
These include organic chicken nuggets, salmon fish sticks, and pasta made from alternative flour. It is not a new trend, but we believe these products will become more popular in 2020.
There is also a prospect of sugar and syrup alternatives. Instead of the typical sugar, honey and maple syrup, syrup made from monkfruit, pomegranate, coconut, and jujube will be used in desserts, meat glazes and marinades.
It is a product mixed with vegetable meat. Meat brands won’t get away from the plant-based food trend, but they’re not just making products for vegetarians. There is a flow of adding vegetable ingredients to meat. Examples include protein burgers made with beef and pea protein, sausages and meatballs made from a combination of plants such as chicken and black beans, and quinoa.
Finally, it is an alcoholic alternative. The market for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages for customers who do not enjoy drinking will grow. Alternative beverages are distilled water, like alcohol, to maintain the taste of a cocktail or beverage, but are non-alcoholic. It is predicted that a variety of non-alcoholic alternative liquors such as non-alcoholic martini made of plant ingredients and carbonated water made from hops will appear.