Issues such as identity, security, quality, as well as the surprise factor of products should be concepts taken into account by those seeking to modernize and revitalize their business in the sector in 2019.
This is one of the main conclusions of the analysis “Innovation and Trends in the Agri-food Sector 2019”, an initiative resulting from the partnership between Inovcluster – Agro-Industrial Association of the Center and CATAA – Association of the Center for Technological and Agri-food Support of Castelo Branco
The analysis highlights the growing demands of consumers regarding the products they consume and their packaging, particularly issues related to quality and safety, as well as the importance of reducing plastic in the packaging of agri-food products, associated with more discerning consumers and a more developed environmental awareness. Concepts such as reducing the use of plastics and other waste, post-consumer recycling, biodegradability, and new technologies stand out as fundamental for the agri-food industry.
An analysis of international consumer pattern databases also identified 10 agri-food trends related to sustainability, both in terms of products and their packaging, the promotion of healthy and sustainable production methods where artificiality is "public enemy number one," as well as the demand for natural and organic products and new alternatives to food products such as salt, chocolate, and even fish.
Dishes without sacrifices are also in vogue, as they offer consumers a high-quality and healthy gastronomic experience, with the added advantage of quick preparation.
The increase in life expectancy also deserves highlighting, since one of the trends to adopt should be longevity with quality, revealing itself as an opportunity in the agri-food industry due to the growing demand for products that provide a sense of a longer and healthier life.
Finally, trends such as sensory adventure, where flavor combinations, appealing design, and gastronomic experiences dominate, along with snack time offering consumers light and nutritious snacks, and the ready-to-eat, yet premium trend, which puts an end to unhealthy fast food. Diversity in distribution has also emerged as one of the trends to follow for more modern and current businesses that meet the needs of today's consumer.
The analysis also considers new emerging markets in the agri-food sector and the challenges and opportunities underlying each one. The group of new market trends includes countries such as Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, then moving on to Asia, where Japan emerges as a market with great growth potential, especially after the economic partnership agreement signed with the European Union, which came into effect on February 1st. This will be a free trade zone encompassing 635 million people, allowing businesses, farmers, workers, and consumers in the European Union to benefit from simpler and faster trade.
