Decoding demand: How AI can kick start product development

The Almond Board of California (ABC) is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance product development in the food industry. Through strategic partnerships with AI-powered food trends prediction platform Tastewise, and plant-based chefs BOSH!, ABC is exploring innovative ways to anticipate consumer trends and inspire new almond-based products.

By utilising AI to analyse extensive data from social media, restaurant menus and home cooking patterns, ABC has been staying on the pulse of rapidly changing consumer needs. This future-first approach aims to streamline product development timelines and provide food manufacturers with real-time insights into changing consumer preferences.

AI trend forecasting

Dariela Roffe-Rackind, European Director at ABC, explains the rationale behind this initiative: “Our industry has always been at the forefront of innovation, combining tradition with technology to improve our practices. Now, we’re leveraging Tastewise’s AI technology to identify and analyse emerging food trends in real-time. This approach means that we are able to anticipate market shifts and guide product developers towards promising opportunities for food related innovations.”

Some key trends that ABC has been exploring through this AI-powered analysis include:

• Desserts to aid digestion: data has shown that there has been a growing demand for gut-friendly desserts, with social posts relating to gut health and desserts increasing by 30 percent year-over-year (YOY)
• Protein-powered breakfasts: protein-rich breakfasts are gaining popularity for sustained energy. Eight percent of all breakfast-related social posts mention protein, with these conversations growing 10 percent YOY
• Global plant-based palates: Korean cuisine is emerging as the fastest-growing trend in plant-based foods, with a 46 percent YOY growth.¹

Bringing these trends to life

If you’re wondering how ABC plan to transform these AI-generated insights into tangible product concepts, this is where BOSH! come in. The duo is renowned for their innovative plant-based recipes which are adored by consumers around the world. This collaboration has resulted in a new digital resource for food professionals which showcases almond-centric recipes like ‘Bakewell tart magic oats’ and a ‘glazed tofu nourish bowl’, which use various almond forms to demonstrate how manufacturers can tap into these trending food categories.

Harnessing data and AI to improve food quality and safety

Plant-based experts Henry Firth and Ian Theasby, also known as BOSH!, commented: “We know first-hand how quickly food fads can come in and out of fashion. The speed at which AI can identify consumer trends is a gamechanger when it comes to food ideation and development, helping manufacturers to stay ahead”.

Future trends and almond applications

California Almonds’ AI-powered analysis has also revealed several emerging trends that present exciting opportunities for food product developers.

Comfort and tradition

Tastewise data has shown that the food and beverage industry is experiencing a significant shift towards comforting and familiar flavours, as evidenced by the rising consumer motivations for ‘cosy’, ‘traditional’, ‘comfort’ and ‘nostalgic’ experiences. This trend reflects a growing desire for reassurance and connection to the past through food and drink. ‘Cosy’ flavours and experiences have seen the most substantial increase, up 35 percent year-over-year. This surge suggests that consumers are seeking warmth and comfort in their culinary choices, which is why foods and beverages that evoke a sense of cosiness – such as warm spices, rich textures and soothing flavours – are likely to resonate strongly with consumers.

Speaking on this trend, Dariela Roffe-Rackind comments: “Almonds can play a crucial role in meeting this demand for comfort and tradition. With 14 different forms, their versatility allows them to be incorporated into a wide range of comforting dishes, from traditional baked goods to warm, nutty beverages. For example, almond-based hot chocolate or almond-crusted comfort foods can provide the cosy experience that consumers are seeking.”

‘Traditional’ experiences have also seen a significant uptick, with a 26 percent year-over-year increase. This trend is reflected in the growing popularity of classic desserts like sticky toffee pudding, which has seen a 20 percent YOY increase.

Dariela Roffe-Rackind adds: “Almonds can add texture and nutty depth to these comforting treats, enhancing their appeal and providing a familiar yet elevated taste experience.”

Energy-boosting foods

Energy is a dominant and trending functional health need, showing a 13 percent YOY increase. Almonds, as a natural and clean ingredient, are well-positioned to meet this demand. In fact, there are over 20g of protein packed into every 100g, which can be incorporated into energy bars, snacks and beverages to provide steady energy.

Creative and artisanal delights

Dishes and recipes that use the terms “creative” and “artisan” are trending by 30 percent and 17 percent YOY respectively, indicating a growing consumer desire for unique, innovative food experiences that showcase skill and craftsmanship. This trend reflects a balance between novelty and authenticity in culinary offerings.

Almonds are the number one ingredient choice globally when it comes to consumers’ chocolate preferences, with consumers believing that they make chocolate tastier, more satisfying and more indulgent.² So, they can play a key role in meeting this trend through products like artisanal almond butter chocolates or almond milk ice creams. The versatility of almonds allows for creative applications in both sweet and savoury artisanal products. For example, hand-crafted almond pralines or small-batch almond-based cheeses can appeal to consumers looking for unique, high-quality food experiences.

Empowering innovation in the food industry

By leveraging AI and strategic partnerships, ABC is not only identifying trends but also providing food manufacturers with the tools and inspiration to create innovative almond-based products. The Almond Board of California has been incorporating these insights into its trade marketing programmes in both the US and Europe, developing inspirational recipe concepts, showcasing trend reports at trade shows and communicating with snack manufacturers through various channels.

As Dariela Roffe-Rackind concludes: “Our goal is to equip and empower food manufacturers with the insights and inspiration that they need to create products that resonate with today’s consumers. With their strong nutritional profile and 14 different forms to aid innovation, manufacturers can feel confident that almonds an ideal ingredient to support the development of on-trend products that meet consumer demands”.

References

1. Tastewise UK consumer data, 2022 – 2024
2. 2022 Global Chocolate Study, Almond Board of California