The LSG Group has evaluated how the Covid-19 pandemic is influencing trends in global food markets.
Based on its annual Trend Report, the company’s experts analysed the impact of the Covid-19 crisis using market and consumer data. They concluded that of the 16 previously identified trends, one has “temporarily lost momentum”. The significance of eight remain unchanged while the remaining seven trends have since become more prominent.
The data shows that the “digital food” trend has become more important. More than ever, pre-order and pre-select solutions are seen as the answer to the digitalisation of the catering business and the food industry.
“We are noticing an increasing demand from airlines for solutions in this area,” explains Frank Theis, senior vice president of global sales & marketing at LSG Group. “This is not only for cost reasons – the trend towards individualisation is still growing. Airlines are interested in offering passengers a better and more individual flight experience. Through digitalisation, the goal of reducing costs is compatible with this.”
The trends “Celebrating Heritage” and “Body Boost” also moved more into focus and lockdown restrictions and social distancing have led to more frequent and elaborate home cooking – often using traditional recipes. At the same time, proper nutrition and its impact on one’s health has gained relevance.
The reason the “Rethink Materials” trend has lost its importance is due to the increased demand for packaged products in favour of food safety.
Torsten Müller, head of global product & service portfolio management at LSG Group, believes that this is temporary: “I’m sure that the topic of sustainable products will soon be of great importance to consumers again. That’s why we continue to develop solutions that meet the demand for sustainability.
