Kroger has revealed its food trend predictions that will steer the market in 2019. The retailer teamed up with its private brand developers, chefs and innovators to gain insight into which attributes are poised to be most desirable to consumers in the coming year. Many of these trends line up with the ‘mega-trends’ Kroger revealed earlier this month.
1. Regional Flavors - Consumers can expect to see more products inspired by US regional as well as global flavors, from regional barbecue sauces to potato chips inspired by the likes of Nashville hot chicken and Southern Appalachian pimento cheese.
2. Plant-Based Foods - As more consumers make an effort to incorporate plant-based options into their diets, eating meat-free more often or on certain occasions, an increasing number of these items are expected to pop up on shelves in 2019.
3. Eating Styles - More Kroger customers are purchasing better-for-you products and subscribing to diet styles such as vegetarian, flexitarian, keto and paleo. In response, the retailer plans to innovate new products that make living these lifestyles easier.
4. Gut-Healthy Foods - Kroger officials shared that more consumers are seeking foods that support self-care and healthy immune systems more than ever before. This increases demand for products rich in probiotics.
5. Low-Sugar and Natural Sweeteners - Consumers are increasingly looking for ways to reduce or eliminate sugar from their diets with alternate sweeteners such as honey and agave, spurring on new solutions.
Source: winsightgrocerybusiness.com