What does a successful business look like in 2025? According to Bord Bia’s Consumer Lifestyle Trends (Bord Bia, 2019) it will be businesses that are not afraid of building local enterprise & brands, it’ll be businesses that nudge consumers towards more conscious consumption and finally, it will be enterprises that at all costs avoid waste. All of which are listed under the Responsible Living trend, where we see that consumers are actively seeking relationships with businesses who have a purpose beyond profit.
Looking at some of the latest product and packaging innovations in the food and drink industry, below are five in-market examples of food, drink and horticulture businesses that are already responding to this growing consumer trend.
Compostable takeaway food packaging
(Industry & Business, 2019)
Last month, Camile Thai became the first restaurant chain in Europe to launch a range of 100% compostable packaging. The company, who are a member of Origin Green, are investing 25% more on their packaging costs in order to reduce the amount of plastic used. Their new range of packaging which will be rolled out across all of their stores can go straight in the general bin without washing. Founder, Brody Sweeney, hopes the move will encourage other businesses in the industry to follow suit.
Rice, crackle and pop…open a beer
(FoodBev Media, 2019)
Kellogg’s and Seven Bro7hers brewery in the UK have extended a collaboration to develop two beers made from unused Coco Pops & Rice Krispies, following the success of their Throw Away IPA made from Kellogg’s Corn Flakes. The limited edition beer uses leftover cereal grains that were too big, small or overcooked to make it into the box. The new editions include a 5.5% Cast Off Pale Ale, made from upcycled Rice Krispies and a 5.5% Sling it Out Stout produced using Upcycled Coco Pops. The new range is available online via the Seven Bro7thers website and in a select number of bars in the UK.
Fresh take on herbs
(Bloom, 2019)
O’Hanlon Herbs showcased their new packaging at Bloom this year. The herb growers and suppliers are specialists in living herbs. They received an overwhelmingly positive response to their compostable range of herbs and sustainable solutions which deliver longer lasting freshness for the consumer.
Packaging free zone
(Retailanalysis.igd.com, 2019)
Earlier this month Waitrose launched their new in-store packaging free zones. The supermarket are trialing the concept across a range of categories from fresh produce to alcohol. Throughout the trial the supermarket is replacing product packaging with in-store refill zones. Signage and in-store assistance are in place to assist consumers navigate the new areas.
Corona’s new stackable can
(Packagingnews.com.au, 2019)
In an attempt to reduce the use of plastic from all of its packaging, Corona have launched a pilot project in Mexico to trial their new stackable can. The Fit Packs allow cans to screw together from the top and the bottom of each can, allowing up to 10 to be stacked together at one time. Corona have made the design open-source to encourage other businesses to adopt this new format.
These examples show how innovative thinking can help engage consumers, reduce waste and help the environment. Irish food and drink producers can take inspiration to create their own innovations. For more information on the Bord Bia’s Consumer Lifestyle trends visit
www.bordbiaconsumerlifestyletrends.ie
References:
Bord Bia (2019). Bord Bia Consumer Lifestyle Trends. [online] Available at: https://www.bordbiaconsumerlifestyletrends
Industry & Business. (2019). Irish Business is First in Europe to Launch Compostable Packaging For Takeaway Food | Industry & Business. [online] Available at: http://www.industryandbusiness.ie/irish-business-is-first-in-europe-to-launch-compostable-packaging-for-takeaway-food/
FoodBev Media. (2019). Kellogg’s and Seven Bro7hers create more beers from cereal. [online] Available at: https://www.foodbev.com/news/kelloggs-and-seven-bro7hers-create-more-beers-from-cereal/
Retailanalysis.igd.com. (2019). First look at Waitrose Unpacked. [online] Available at: https://retailanalysis.igd.com/trends/health-wellbeing-and-ethics/news-article/t/first-look-at-waitrose-unpacked/i/21735
Packagingnews.com.au. (2019). Corona tightens the screws on plastic waste - PKN Packaging News. [online] Available at: https://www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/corona-tightens-the-screws-on-plastic-waste