Was 2025 more of the same in the food and beverage or something different?
The politics of the year have led to everything being more expensive, from labor to ingredients. At the same time, consumers are concerned about budgets and jobs. Here are 3 trends that are important to know about whatever your business and strategy:
1) Non-alcoholic beer and even “fine water” in restaurants are trending in the beverage category. If you’re thinking of starting a drink brand, the How I Built This episodes about Poppi and Athletic near beer are worth a listen as is the episode about Liquid Death Water. (You might be amused to know I thought it was named Killer Water.)
2) Private label is now more trustworthy than not. 74% of 200 consumers interviewed say private label quality is now the same or better than name brands, according to an RDSolutions study.
3) Weight-loss (GLP-1) drugs are changing how and what consumers eat. Get ideas for how food companies are adapting to reduced food consumption. Many people eating smaller portions and overall eating less. Is this Ozempic trend here to stay? Is this an opportunity for smaller food producers and farmers market sellers to serve tastier, healthier foods that will be the treat of the day?
Want more? This Penn State trends round up has a meaty (and meatless) list of recent food trends and ideas.
Starting a business and wondering where to live? Get in touch to brainstorm about possibilities (no charge).
P.S., it’s OK to shut down your local Good Food business.
INNAJam founder Dafna Kory decided it was time for a change after 13 years making jams using local produce in the San Francisco East Bay town of Emeryville. Read about her journey and decision.
