The sad fact is that as the world population is on the increase, there is a simultanious decrease in agricultural soil and as the resources that we have are to be shared by everyone - there will be a decrease in food quality, because we are overusing the soil and resources we have to provide the masses.

But before that becomes a big reality for us all - there will be recycling - NO - not in the way you may think.  Recycling fruit and veg that has gone bad or do not look good enough to go to the market.  Recycling into fresh make-up, juices, soups, etc.

There might be a return to glass away from plastic, because the glass can be washed and re-melted when its quality becomes too low.

Just imagine how you can bring this into your business - it might be too expensive now - but remember that it will not be in future - you might be even be expected to go this way in the near future.

Kind regards,

The Food Futurist

I am worried about a macro-trend that we are seeing not only in hotels and not only in food, but it is an underlying mega-trend that is about to explode in the next few years.  I see some hotels removing deep-fried chips from their menu’s and opting for the baked stuff.  Yes, it is healthier, but do I want decisions like that made for me when I am forking out that kind of cash to stay in a posh place?

More and more decisions are being made for us, with the excuse that it is for the better of society.  We all know what happens with these kind of rules when enforced on teenagers.  Do not make decisions for your customers - this is an increasingly customer driven market.

Do not try to make the wheel turn the other way - it is already at full speed.  In the future give them what they want.

Kind regards,

The Food Futurist

Have you ever heard of a dairy lawyer? Well if not go check out the post “Dairy Lawyer - Janusz Luterek” at www.LeontheMilkman.com  Just do a search in the top right hand corner of the site.

The message is: Find what you love and work it, baby!!

Niche the future!

Kind regards,

The Food Futurist

I’m back from holiday! May 2007 be a bleesing to us all!

Kind regards,

Leon

Food marketers are finally becoming aware of the advantages that the internet offers them in regard to tracking market trends, doing surveys, and tracking clicks in a way to know more about their best consumers.  Not satisfied with placing an add in the paper where they have no idea how many sees it - they are now utilizing the net’s capabilities to also build an automated relationship with their ideal client.

This is just the start - interactivity to follow - in fact - I predict it!

The Food Futurist

In some markets there will be a big return to glass - as this is probably the most safe, inert packaging option around. It is easily washable and available for re-use. Glass is perceived as natural and homey and will therefore most probably find an offset in the local, organic and health food markets.

On this topic - I see health foods becoming much more sophisticated in that they will evolve to finished products of truly superior value - not just the bag of mixed nuts on the bottom shelf.

I predict that you will come back to read more on this blog,

The Food Futurist

As we say in South Africa - “Local is Lekker” - meaning local is great!

Activists realize that organic is not the end all and be all.  Support for local products and manufacturers are on the increase worldwide, because people are realizing that it:

• Creates local jobs
• Makes regions famous for a specific local product around which a fair can be organized
• Food travels less and is thus fresher and of better overall quality
• Prices are usually cheaper as less travel is involved

This is a trend that I predict will even overtake organic in the long run.

Kind regards,

The Food Futurist

Organic food sector growth has not had the growth that was expected.  Consumers are however becoming more and more educated and the demand will continue to increase at a steady pace.   Another reason for slow growth in this sector is the non-existance of international regulations for organics.  These are the two most important factors holding this market sector back.

Kind regards,

The Food Futurist

Here is a list of food trends that the Food Futurist predicts:

• Increase in organic products
• Increase in support for local food manufacturers and farmers.
• Refillable packaging
• Simplifying food product use by the consumer
• Advanced technology used to make, package, promote and track food products
• Big turn towards internet marketing for the food industry
• Niche foods
• Using less additives and a mix of preserving methods like heating, sound, light and hermetic sealing to achieve longer shelf life.

I will go into more detail on each point before the start of 2007 so that you can plan accordingly.

Kind regards,

Leon