Future Food Update - September 2021

At the beginning of last year we started tracking consumer behaviour through our Future Food Trend Tracker on a monthly basis, as part of a collaboration with Good Sense Research. We've been monitoring this essential food trend foresight in order to be able to share actionable trends and insights with you in your business.

Each month we share an update of some the key insights learned. Digest what we've seen throughout September 2021 below.

In the latest Future Food report we have seen consumer interest switching to participation with the proportion of those trying the emerging cuisines growing. The appeal of restaurants offering meal-kits continues to remain a popular choice and are also seen as being up-and-coming trends.

Detailed below are the 4 key insights from the September 2021 report:

1. During September the usage of different types of packaging and importance of sustainability saw a reduction and weren't as high on consumers' radars. This may be due to other priorities, such as the return to school/college/university/work after the summer holidays. However, year-on-year the importance of sustainability still recorded an increase.

2. Local food, place and people continue to remain a hot topic, most likely driven by the desire for a local connection and heightened understanding around carbon footprint issues.

3. The appeal of restaurants offering meal kits or part prepared meals continues to remain a popular choice and are also seen as being up-and-coming trends amongst consumers.

4. Consumers appear to be switching from interest to participation with the proportion of those trying the emerging cuisines growing, potentially driven by September food festivals, outdoor events and the continued return to the high street.

To receive the full report and find out more about Future Food this exciting collaboration between thefoodpeople and Good Sense Research click here.