From new approaches to packaging to new ways of tracking the supply chain, food focused incumbents and startups will embrace tech-based innovations this year.
Unexpected players rattled the food industry in 2017.
Chobani, a startup, cemented its spot as the US’ top-selling yogurt brand, leaving stalwart General Mills’ Yoplait struggling to keep up.
Halo Top, another startup, became the US’ top-selling ice cream pint, bumping out Unilever brands in the process.
Meanwhile, Amazon acquired Whole Foods for $13.7B, spurring grocers to rethink their tech strategies and brands to reconsider their distribution models.
To compete, we saw traditional food companies step up their startup activity, making acquisitions and rolling out venture capital funds and incubator programs.
Amidst these changes, what will 2018 bring? From CPG brands maneuvering around retailers to big meat producers embracing alternative proteins, we identified the most important food trends to watch this year.