Top Food System Trends for 2022

2022 sure has an element of Groundhog Day to it. We’re waking up to surging COVID numbers once again, the supply chain still in tatters and much of the world now masters at living most of their lives from home.

But just as some things seem to remain the same, the food system is evolving faster than ever. Here are a few predictions from the marketing firm C.O.nxt on trends that will gain the most steam in the coming year.

1. The accelerated rise of robotics in agriculture.

For years, the ag industry has increasingly implemented technology as a means of improving yields while reducing inputs and impact on the environment. Now, another on-farm challenge has emerged for which technology is becoming a leading solution - labor shortage.

Technologies that simplify farm management and allow more work to be done with fewer people will start to pick up steam. Digital management software, autonomous tractors, picking robots and other labor-replacing tech will start to surge. However, according to research done by Aimpoint, widespread use may have to ironically wait for labor to catch up, as there aren’t yet enough tech-savvy ag tech professionals available to help implement and operate the systems

2. Functional foods make a big leap forward.

Nothing like a pandemic to get people to take a closer look at their overall health. According to Food Industry Executive magazine, 33% more consumers are treating food as medicine compared to 2020. And for many, eating better is priority number one. But it’s no longer enough to cut calories and eat more veggies. Foods that deliver specific and intentional health benefits are beginning to take the lead.

33% more consumers are treating food as medicine compared to 2020. From CBD-infused everything to superfood shakes and more, consumers are looking for foods that aid in everything from improved sleep and reduced anxiety to anti-aging and enhanced cognitive function.

3. Alternative proteins go beyond beef.

Recent consumer research reveals that the alternative protein market is already on the rise. And we see it continuing to grow in bold new ways. In recent years, restaurants and fast food chains have started to offer Beyond burgers and other beef alternative dishes, but in 2022 there is already a rise of alternative chicken, alternative pork and alternative seafood dishes appearing on menus.

Will beef give way to alternative poultry, alternative pork and alternative seafood?

4. Ghost kitchens become scary popular.

Ordering on the app for curbside pickup. Paying a premium for Door Dash deliveries. Subscribing to a meal kit service. These have been the rising trends since March 2020 as COVID restrictions continue to keep diners out of restaurants and the supply chain continues to keep grocery store shelves bare.

Giants like Wendy’s, Chick-fil-A, Five Guys and Red Lobster have already dipped their toe in the ghost kitchen scene. These changes in consumer behavior have recently given rise to the ghost kitchen, stripped down commercial kitchens with no dine-in option. And it’s obviously not trendy new startups in these facilities. And many more big names are sure to follow.

5. The supply chain savvy will win the day.

Supply chain slowdowns aren’t going anywhere soon. So rather than futilely working to get things back to the way they were, the most successful food companies will be those who learn to navigate this new reality.

Working toward mastery of the supply chain, food companies will work to align data systems so they can be more flexible with inventory optimization and be better able to forecast demand and plan proactively for needs, such as securing timely product transportation. But time is of the essence. Consumers and companies are getting fed up and they will quickly build loyalty with whoever figures it out the fastest and can consistently deliver.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

The projections in this article are, for the most part, based on some historical evidence and merely cast a spotlight on what has been taking place for at least awhile now. The bigger question for many of these prognostications is how fast and how big they might eventually become. The overall impact on agriculture will be one of just how flexible farmers/ranchers are in adapting to these new trends. In the case of labor and supply chain issues, they are already scrambling to change their operations to fit these realities. We have reported in the AIR about the robotics and other technologies that are being implemented on farms/ranches across the country. As for consumer eating and spending habits, they will likely have less immediate impact on farmers/ranchers but be addressed by processors and distributors. All in all – farmers/ranchers will be focused on their operation, making money and purchasing things like new trucks to make them more efficient and profitable.