Linda Cullen, Food and Beverage Division, Bord Bia - The Irish Food Board

This year Sial Innovation showcased 2,189 new products. This dedicated area provided a preview of the international panorama of new food trends and products and is an inspirational and must see event at the show.

Some key trends at the 2016 show included:

A Free From Revolution

According to Euromonitor, Food intolerance in Ireland grew by 11% in current value terms in 2015 to reach €33 million with several companies now adding gluten-free alternatives to their mainstream brands, such as Nestlé Free From Gluten Cornflakes. Food intolerance is set to increase at a constant 2015 value CAGR of 4% in Ireland and is forecast to reach €40 million in 2020. The free from category is enjoying phenomenal growth, with Mintel forecasting the UK market to swell by a further 43% by 2020. Delicious Alchemy – a UK artisan baking brand – launched a seasonal Gluten and dairy free Christmas Cake and Gingerbread Biscuit Mix which is also nut free and easy to bake. Snack Brand Nak’d launched a range of premium healthy snacks – Posh Bits - which are targeted at consumers seeking out guilt free snacks using a combination of nuts, raw fruit combined with dark cocoa which are free from added sugar and deliver a single portion of fruit.

Ancient Grains

Described as a new ‘superfood’ by Mintel, ancient grains are set to ‘sprout’ in 2016. Unlike modern grains such as wheat and rice, ancient grains have never been processed and are grown just as they were a thousand years ago. Ancient grains include quinoa, millet and , chia seeds and contain functional and nutritional components. New healthy breakfast company RaRá, use chia seeds in their breakfast pots, along with gluten free oats, coconut milk and natural fruit.

Going Global

There is a huge increase in the popularity of global flavours – particularly Latin and South American with new world flavours becoming part of the everyday cuisine with authentic rubs and marinades and chimichurri Sauce and Argentinian Dulce de Leche attracting a lot of attention.

Snack Attack

The snacking category is enjoying a new lease of life as innovation and NPD continue to drive the market. According to Mintel, popcorn is the fastest growing segment, with around 35% of adults in the UK now choosing popcorn over other snacks, due to its lower calorie count and high fibre content. Flavour innovation and gourmet popcorn with all natural ingredients are key drivers of growth. Thatcher’s Artisan Popcorn launched a range of popcorn bites in sweet and savoury flavours including Parmesan and Italian herbs and Fruit Medley. Bare Snacks have launched a line of organic baked Coconut chips made using their proprietary slow baking process and these are available in new flavour combinations – toasted coconut, zingy sweet ginger and robust coffee bean. Eat Real launched a range of Veggie and Kale chips containing kale, tomato, spinach and potato aimed at consumers following the clean eating trend which are gluten free and appeal to vegetarians and vegans. These products contain premium ingredients and are in line with the #cleaneating trend.

These key themes combined with consumer insight and Bord Bia Consumer Lifestyle Trends can act as a catalyst for food and drink manufacturers exploring new ideas, inspiration and NPD options.

For more information please contact linda.cullen@bordbia.ie.