One of the most dynamic and quickly changing industries in the world is the food and beverage sector. The market is constantly looking for new and inventive ways to improve the taste and health of its products in response to shifting consumer preferences and trends.
We have compiled a list of new products in the D2C sector but first, we’ll a nuanced look at how the food and beverage (F&B) sector is embracing innovation to meet consumers’ evolving tastes and health concerns.
Current trends in the F&B domain:
The diet-conscious wave:
The increasing focus on health and well-being has been one of the biggest shifts in the F&B sector. F&B businesses are adjusting to this trend by providing healthier options as consumers become more aware of the contents and nutritional content of the items they consume. For instance, many businesses are increasingly enhancing the flavor and health advantages of their products with natural ingredients like herbs and spices.
A trend towards plant-based products has also occurred, with businesses introducing vegan and vegetarian options to meet the demands of customers seeking healthier and more environmentally friendly solutions.
The new conversation starter: Is this organic?
The growing demand for organic food is another trend at the heart of the food and beverage industry’s problems. The market for organic foods has expanded as a result of the drastic decrease in processed food consumption. Because of their high nutritional value, organic foods are becoming more popular.
With a greater emphasis on health and wellness, alongside vegan, sustainable, and cruelty-free product range is on the rise. What is not organic is simply deemed unhealthy and bad for the environment, and organizations are tapping strongly into this.
Innovative preparation methods:
Utilizing fresh and inventive cooking methods is a trend that has grown in popularity, especially among younger audiences. In the F&B industry, for instance, the “baked or popped” approach, which includes baking food at low, controlled temperatures, has grown in popularity. This has grown in popularity since companies are avoiding labels like “fried food” because they are now seen as boring and unhealthy.
Food can now be prepared using new techniques that preserve flavor and nutrients, giving consumers a better choice. In order to provide more sustainable and healthy options, F&B companies are also experimenting with new ingredients, such as proteins derived from insects.
Growing hunger for FoodTech
The use of technology is another way the F&B industry is embracing innovation. Companies are utilizing technology to improve their supply chain and distribution processes, allowing consumers to more easily access and purchase their products.
Furthermore, food and beverage companies are utilizing technology to develop new and innovative products, such as 3D-printed food and personalized nutrition plans. Furthermore, the use of augmented reality and virtual reality is becoming more common in the industry, allowing consumers to interact with food in novel and exciting ways.
Here are some of the latest innovations in the D2C sector for Food and beverage lovers:
Snickers India
Snickers, the caramel-oozing chocolate bar brand, is beloved by almost everyone. Consider the chocolate bar to taste like Kesar Pista. Yes, you heard us right, the famous Indian dessert flavor has taken over this international chocolate bar.
This entails how brands are accommodating cultural aspects of different countries to capture more taste buds and of course, customer base. Thus, international brands are more open than ever with both their products and cultural undertones, especially in foreign markets.
Click here to buy this desi fusion chocolate
Kurkure
Kurkure’s flavor lineup has expanded with the addition of a new ‘Chatpata Cheese’ flavor. The brand combined the classic ‘Masala’ flavor with the globally popular ‘Cheddar Jalapeno’ flavor. The new flavor, with the communication theme “desi pe videsi ka chatpatapan,” aims to localize the global cheese snack craze.
If international brands are going desi, then in this case it is safe to say that Indian brands are no backbenchers. India’s most loved snack brand has launched its Mexican-inspired flavors, demonstrating that Indians love global flavors and experiences.
Click here to buy this cheesy affair
Parle G
The world’s fasting-selling cookies a.k.a Parle G and jumped on the innovation wagon. For many people, a cup of hot tea and a Parle G biscuit is a go-to combination. As a result, the biscuit and snack company launched two new flavors: Parle G Oats and Berries biscuits and Kismi Cinnamon biscuits. The brand follows the trend of entering the healthy foods segment while also appealing to tea enthusiasts.
Who would imagine a solid billion-dollar brand like Parle G diving into different flavors? Mainly because it has maintained a single-product flavor for decades in a row. Needless to say, companies are becoming active to cater to a more calorie-conscious audience. Customers are becoming more aware of the dangers of artificial sweeteners and other additional preservatives as a result of this realization.
Bira 91
Bira 91 India’s beverage startup superhero has launched some new and vibrant flavors. Bollywood IPA (West Coast style), Kokum Sour, Brown Ale, and Mango Lassi are four new limited edition beers from the brand known for their dynamic flavors. The drinks were created using indigenous ingredients to highlight India’s raw creativity, which is fueled by its humble artists.
The Bollywood IPA can is loud, flavorful, and vibrant with a tropical twist, inspired by California-born West Coast IPAs. Kokum Sour complements the Indian summer by combining a traditional Konkan coast ingredient with the Indian palate’s affinity for sour flavors and the best sour beers in the world.
The above innovations in Indian D2C markets demonstrate that the F&B industry is constantly evolving and embracing innovation to meet consumers’ changing tastes and health concerns. The direct-to-consumer industry is poised for even more exciting developments in the future, and it will be interesting to see how it continues to innovate and adapt to the changing landscape while keeping consumer needs at the forefront.
