Top ten food trends predicted for 2020

Stuart Kelly, Global Head of Commercial at Lloyd’s Register has provided his 10 predictions for the food industry in 2020, which include a rise in popularity for plant-based food and a reduction in the use of plastic.

These predictions are:

1. More success for plant-based food
   Plant-based food has experienced consistent growth, with little sign of change. While the plant-based boom has its roots in the 2010s, it will be the 2020s where the market reaches financial maturity.

2. Doubts will still linger for plant-based food
   Plant-based food may be experiencing commercial success but doubts still linger for many consumers. Kelly says that the industry should expect to see more certification schemes and outreach from manufacturers to abate these concerns.

3. Clean meat’s arrival
   Lab-grown meat is still yet to be approved for sale in any country though its commercial reality is inevitable. Kelly predicts that while we may not see products hit the shelves in 2020 the regulatory groundwork will continue to develop.  

4. Meaningful plastic reduction
   Many companies have moved to reduce, recycle or even eliminate plastic. Yet environmental groups have drawn attention to the tiny fraction of plastic that actually ends up recycled. As a result, 2020 will see more independent auditing of waste models to ensure refuse is recycled properly.

5. Supply chain transparency
   Antibiotics, animal welfare and allergen risks have all hit the headlines as the prospect of a trade deal with the US edges closer. Consumers have subsequently expressed concern for lower food standards in a post-Brexit UK. This could cause many to tighten up the second-party parts of their audit programmes, Kelly said.

6. Red meat and dairy fight back
   Meat and dairy sales have slumped as plant-based food has surged and the two sectors will launch their own campaigns in 2020 to counter the growing belief that meat and dairy have no place in a healthy diet.

7. Challenging ethical-sustainable foods
   In 2020, consumers will begin to question whether certain ‘ethical-sustainable’ alternatives are actually better for the environment, Kelly says. Almond milk manufacturers, for example, have been criticised for their water-intense production methods. 

8. Farmed fish under the spotlight
   Seafood has soared in popularity as a low-impact source of healthy protein. But now aquaculture is facing scrutiny as its benefits are called into question. Kelly predicts that premium products, like farmed salmon, will fight for market share in 2020 as pressure is increased from environmental groups and those choosing to consume less fish.

9. Climate footprint pressures
   Climate change could also have a major role to play in 2020. Kelly says we can expect to see a shift to a clearer and consistent accounting method.

10. Health labelling
    Health information included on packaging has received plenty of support and it’s likely that this will develop further in 2020. Transparency is clearly welcome in a time of low confidence, Kelly explains, but this strategy is yet to be fully tested with consumers.