A survey carried out through independent auditing of each of the companies associated with CitrusBR and also consolidated by external auditing revealed that the total oranges processed in the Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais Citrus Belt in the 2022/23 season was estimated at 265,292,217 boxes of oranges of 40.8 kg of which 243,967,550 boxes were processed by CitrusBR members and close to 21.3 million boxes were processed by non-members.
With the final estimated juice yield on fruit of 280.58 boxes of oranges to produce one metric ton of FCOJ equivalent in aggregate for CitrusBR members and non-members, the final estimate for total orange juice production for the 2022/23 season was of 945,529 metric tons of FCOJ equivalent …
Elopak, a leading global supplier of carton packaging and filling equipment, published its 2022 Sustainability Report. Successes outlined in the report include a 20 % reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions since 2020, marking significant progress towards the company’s target of a 42 % reduction by 2030. Value chain emissions (scope 3) have also been reduced by 7 % since 2020. In 2022, Elopak set ambitious targets for reaching net zero emissions by 2050, approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The 2022 report was compiled in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework, ensuring a transparent and accountable assessment of the past year. It covers Elopak’s key material topics within the sustainability themes of people, planet, and profit to give a full evaluation of the company’s sustainability performance and map out future ambitions. Chief among these are plans to reduce emissions across the company’s value chain by 90 % by 2050.
Speaking on the launch of the report, Elopak’s Sustainability Director Marianne Groven said, “I am pleased that we are continuing to make great progress across several aspects ranging from employee engagement to our offering of bio-circular cartons. The approval of our net zero targets by the SBTi marks a significant milestone for 2022.”
A global pioneer in carton-based packaging, Elopak has long championed product innovation as an effective tool in boosting sustainability. In 2022 Elopak rolled out the Pure-Pak® eSense: an aseptic carton made without an aluminium layer. This results in a 50 % lower carbon footprint compared to a conventional aseptic carton and helps simplify the recycling process.
In 2022, Elopak successfully boosted the sales of its most sustainable products, increasing the proportion of fully renewable cartons for fresh milk in Europe from 18 % of sales in 2021 to 30 %. Elopak has sourced 100 % of the fibers for its cartons from controlled sources in line with the standards set by the FSC™ since 2014.
Since listing on the Oslo Stock Exchange in 2021, Elopak has pursued a strategy of sustainability-driven growth, including geographic expansion to bring its sustainable packaging solutions to more markets and customers. In 2022 this involved the acquisition of Naturepak Beverage Ltd in the Middle East; the opening of a subsidiary, GLS Elopak, in India; and a licensing agreement with Nippon Paper to distribute Pure-Pak® cartons in Oceania.
Throughout 2022, Elopak maintained its high level of commitment towards its employees, striving to promote a culture to leverage critical competencies, core values and behavior of the organisation. Despite the suffering brought by the war in Ukraine, Elopak was proud to stand by its employees in Fastiv and Kyiv and support the supply chain of essential products such as milk and baby formula within the country. In July 2022, Elopak began the process of exiting the Russian market, finalising a sale to local management in March 2023.
More broadly, Elopak has conducted a human rights risk assessment across all of its operations and business partners in line with requirements set out in Norway’s Transparency Act. In 2022, 93 % of employees took part in code of conduct training, which includes provisions on upholding human rights. The company has also rolled out its new six Golden Safety Rules, which are partially responsible for a 19 % drop in work-related injuries since 2021.
Commenting on the publication of the report, CEO Thomas Körmendi said, “Through a year marked by changing climates related to the geo-political situation, environmental concern and market fluctuations, I am very proud of the resilience Elopak has shown. We have remained as focused and dedicated as ever towards our ultimate goal of delivering sustainable packaging solutions that leave customers’ products unchanged and our world unharmed.”
Orange production for the 2022-2023 crop season totaled 314.21 million boxes1
The 2022-2023 orange crop for the São Paulo and West-Southwest Minas Gerais citrus belt, published on April 10, 2023 by Fundecitrus – performed in cooperation with Markestrat, FEA-RP/USP and FCAV/Unesp2 – is 314.21 million boxes of 40.8 kg each (90 lbs), divided as follows …
1Hamlin, Westin, Rubi, Valencia Americana, Seleta, Pineapple, Alvorada, Pera Rio, Valencia, Valencia Folha Murcha and Natal. 2Department of math and science, FCAV/Unesp Jaboticabal Campus.
Experts from applied research, producers, sellers, and other stakeholders from the apple ecosystem attending the 12th edition of the international apple trade show Interpoma identified an increasing labor shortage as well as climate change as the key challenges for the global apple industry. Interpoma 2022 saw more international visitors than ever before, and the exhibitors expressed their exceptionally high satisfaction with this year’s show.
The success of Interpoma exceeded all expectations: after four long years, from 17th to 19th November the Fiera Bolzano exhibition center hosted a total of 490 exhibitors, 30 % of which from abroad, and more than 16,000 visitors from over 70 countries.
With a total number of 800 attendees, the international Interpoma Congress was sold out completely. While Day 1 offered an insider perspective into the developments in the US apple sector, Day 2 focused on presentations by the world’s leading manufacturers of apple harvesting robots. The guided Interpoma Tours were also fully booked and provided 500 international visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the modern fruit-selling and fruit-producing companies of South Tyrol. All trade show and congress attendees received a free copy of the 2nd edition of the official Interpoma Magazine, which, just like the previous edition, was again printed on 100 % apple paper and offered interesting insights into the world of apple growing.
“If you were worried that the fact that there was no Interpoma for a full four years might have negatively affected the trade show’s appeal, you can rest assured. Actually, it’s quite the contrary: we have seen more international visitors than ever before, even though visitors from Asia could not attend this year due to pandemic-related restrictions,” says Thomas Mur, Fiera Bolzano’s director. “The powerful and unparalleled network of the South Tyrolean apple industry spanning sectors such as research, consulting, and marketing continues to be the key factor for success of this trade show and represents a global showcase for sustainable growth and a passion for continually improving the fruit-growing business.”
Exclusive high-tech solutions designed to combat labor shortages including robots for automated harvesting were presented at the show and will undergo further development during the next couple of years before they are ready to be launched into the market. A multitude of innovations in automation and mechanization will help make up for the lack of skilled labor. Another key area covered during Interpoma 2022 was climate change. The Interpoma Award was presented for the most innovative technologies in the field of water management in apple orchards dedicated to reducing the amount of water required to yield the same amount of crops.
A new addition to this year’s show was the Interpoma Variety Garden held at the FieraMesse H1 Eventspace, which invited visitors to embark on a colorful journey through the history of variety management and explore the world’s first exhibition of 60 branded apple varieties.
Sebastian Stocker from the manufacturer of agricultural machines of the same name based in South Tyrol, was more than happy: “Interpoma was a huge success for us! At this year’s show, we presented our company in a completely new way. We have grown quite a bit compared to the 2018 edition, and our expectations for the show were exceeded by 300 %. Many visitors found their way to our booth on all three show days.”
Gabriele Gessi from Palbox, a large-sized container manufacturer from Italy, states: “Interpoma is a very important trade show for us, because apples are our key business. We’ve expanded and redesigned our booth to show how much our company has grown and evolved during the last couple of years featuring many new and innovative products. We are more than happy with how this show turned out for us, seeing as it gave us the chance to meet so many people whom it was really hard to reach out to during the last four years.”
The next edition of the trade show dedicated to the production, storage, and marketing of apples will again be held in Bolzano in November 2024. Recordings of both days of the Interpoma Congress will be made available on the trade show’s website for anyone to enjoy in the meantime.
All Oranges 20.0 Million Boxes
The 2022-2023 Florida all orange forecast released by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is 20.0 million boxes, down 8.00 million boxes from the October forecast. If realised, this will be 51 percent less than last season’s final production. The forecast consists of 7.00 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, mid-season, and Navel varieties) and 13.0 million boxes of Valencia oranges. A 9-year regression was used for comparison purposes. All references to “average”, “minimum”, and “maximum” refer to the previous 10 seasons, excluding the 2017-2018 season, which was affected by Hurricane Irma. Average fruit per tree includes both regular bloom and the first late bloom.
Please download the full citrus crop production forecast: www.nass.usda.gov
All Oranges 28.0 Million Boxes
The 2022-2023 Florida all orange forecast released by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is carried forward from October at 28.0 million boxes, down 32 percent from last season’s final production. The total includes 11.0 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, midseason, and Navel varieties) and 17.0 million boxes of Valencia oranges. The Navel orange forecast, at 300,000 boxes, accounts for 3 percent of the non-Valencia total. The estimated number of bearing trees for all oranges is 44.0 million. …
Please download the full citrus crop production forecast: www.nass.usda.gov
Sponsored Post – We are looking forward to opening our doors at Elea for two days of Pulsed Electric Field discovery and insights, here at our custom-built facility for the development of PEF systems and applications in Quakenbrück, Germany.
Talks and demos will be given by both resident and industry experts. Topics will include how PEF works, its benefits for product and production, the development of PEF in industry during the past 10 years, as well as its huge potential for other industries, all scientific supported by our Research & Development department.
In our showroom, we will guide you through the Elea PEF system range, whose capacity reaches up to 60 t/h for solid treatment and 5.000 L for liquid treatment, followed by confidential one-to-one sessions about PEF solutions tailored for your business. Combined with a social program, an interesting and memorable event is guaranteed.
PEF inactivates microorganisms at lower temperatures, whereby the freshness & quality is maintained. A cost-effective alternative to thermal and HPP.
Visit us on 16 & 17 November in Quakenbrück and discover the application of Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) for extraction and preservation of fruit juices.
The 2022-2023 Florida all orange forecast released by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is 28.0 million boxes, down 32 percent from last season’s final production. The total includes 11.0 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, mid-season, and Navel varieties) and 17.0 million boxes of Valencia oranges. The Navel orange forecast, at 300,000 boxes, accounts for 3 percent of the non-Valencia total.
The estimated number of bearing trees for all oranges is 44.0 million. Trees planted in 2019 and earlier are considered bearing for this season. Field work for the latest Commercial Citrus Inventory was completed in June 2022. Attrition rates were applied to the results to determine the number of bearing trees used to weigh and expand objective count data in the forecast model.
A 9-year regression was used for comparison purposes. All references to “average”, “minimum”, and “maximum” refer to the previous 10 seasons, excluding the 2017-2018 season, which was affected by Hurricane Irma. Average fruit per tree includes both regular bloom and the first late bloom …
Please download the full citrus crop production forecast: www.nass.usda.gov
This juice industry report is a first edition of many more to follow, monitoring the progress made and to enhance easy access to successful ways of working.
In this document, members of the IFU and Sustainability Working Group have provided examples of how they see any or all of these areas are addressed. It is essentially a collection of the practical inroads which companies and regions are making in moving towards the fulfilment of the aspirations of sustainability of our industry.
“Transition In Packaging” is the key theme of the FACHPACK trade fair, to be held in Nuremberg from 27 to 29 September 2022. This describes the transformation currently taking place in the European packaging industry. More sustainability, more e-Commerce and increasing digitalisation are just some of the driving themes. Then there are the current challenges such as the shortage of skilled workers, high power costs and disrupted supply chains. “The dynamics in the packaging industry have never been greater,” says Heike Slotta, Executive Director NürnbergMesse. “But despite that, or perhaps because of it, companies in the sector are very strong on design and innovation.” The key theme of “Transition in Packaging” will be reflected at the stands of the 1,145 exhibitors (2021: 789), in the extensive lecture programme, in the fascinating special shows and in the award presentations. Visitors from the consumer and industrial goods sectors will be impressed.
FACHPACK offers a compact yet comprehensive overview of the products and services relating to the packaging process chain for industrial and customer goods – i.e. packaging and the associated technology and processes. This year’s event will extend to nine exhibition halls. Of the 1,145 exhibitors, 42 percent will travel to Nuremberg from outside Germany, the majority from Turkey, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, Belgium, the Czech Republic and France.
A good half of the exhibitors are active in packaging materials and packaging accessories, and about one-third in the area of packaging machines and labelling and palletizing systems. About 15 percent work in the area of package printing and finishing, in-house logistics and services for the packaging industry.
Firmenich, one of the world’s largest privately-owned fragrance and taste companies, released its annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, tracking progress toward the group’s groundbreaking sustainability targets. Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 was marked by strong sustainability performance across the Group’s three key pillars, climate, nature, and people, backed by growing, best-in-class independent evaluation and reinforced ESG governance.
FY2022 ESG Performance Highlights
Acting on Climate Change: Firmenich was one of only two companies to receive a fourth consecutive CDP Triple A rating for climate, water, and forests. Three manufacturing sites, in Norway, Singapore and South Africa, were carbon neutral in FY22, all operating without the use of offsets. Firmenich maintained decoupling of growth in manufacturing output from its CO2 emissions: in FY22, Scope 1 and 2 emissions were reduced by 36.1 % vs. 2017, and the new ingredients sites reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 12.2 % vs. 2020. The Group maintained 100 % Renewable Electricity in its operations including in new acquisitions1. Firmenich aims to reach carbon neutrality in its direct operations by 2025, absolute carbon emissions reduction by 2030 in line with limiting temperature rise to 1.5˚C, as well as net-zero emissions by 2039 across its direct operations and value chain (Scopes 1, 2, and 3). Its net-zero targets were validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in August 2022, making Firmenich the first company in its industry to receive SBTi approval.
Embracing Nature: Building on UEBT validation of the Group’s biodiversity strategy, work began on restoration at 15 % of Firmenich sites with biodiversity risk, in line with Science-Based Targets for Nature. Implementation of 100 % verified Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) was increased. Firmenich continued to expand the proportion of ultimately or partially biodegradable ingredients in its fragrances to 96.6 % on average, having surpassed its 95 % target a year earlier. Firmenich reinforced green proteins in product development, enabling customers to accelerate the plant-based food revolution and contribute to climate change mitigation.
Caring about People: Building on gender pay equity and its work to strengthen inclusion, Firmenich achieved Living Wage certification by Fairwage Network in 2022 ahead of the Group’s 2025 target, a key step to ensure decent living standards for all employees and their families. The Group advanced its high global health and safety standards with an improved 0.26 Total Recordable Case (TRC) rate, and a third consecutive Gold Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). Firmenich continued to maintain zero human rights non-compliance and scaled up its effort to drive concerted business action by becoming United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Impact Sponsor for Labor and Decent Work.
Overall, Firmenich achieved an upgraded rating from Sustainalytics with a score of 7.5, in the global top 50 of approximately 15,000 companies, that highlights the Group’s low ESG risk profile. A second consecutive Platinum rating by Ecovadis with an industry-leading score of 88 % placed Firmenich in the top 1 % of all companies assessed worldwide. The Group was also rated for the first time as one of the “2022 World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere®, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.
Firmenich continued to work actively in alliances and partnerships, including the UN Global Compact, the Union for Ethical Biotrade (UEBT), One Planet Business for Biodiversity (OP2B), and the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), to drive positive change at scale and foster effective action on climate, nature, and people in the business community.
1Firmenich moved to majority ownership of ArtSci in May 2022. This entity is not included in the scope of the report and will be integrated gradually in the Group’s ESG framework in FY2023.
Prognosfruit’s 2022 European apple and pear crop forecast reveals that apple production is set to increase by 1 % compared to 2021, while the upcoming pear crop is estimated to increase by 20 % compared to last year’s record low crop of the decade and by 5 % compared to the 3-year average. On 4 August 2022, more than 200 international representatives from the apple and pear sector joined Prognosfruit 2022 in Belgrade, Serbia, the first in-person Prognosfruit event after two online editions, to discuss the 2022 production forecast for apples and pears.
The World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) released the 2022/2023 European apple and pear crop estimate on the occasion of the 47th edition of the Prognosfruit, which took place on August 3-5 in Belgrade, Serbia, returning as an in-person event after two years of online editions. Philippe Binard stated: “The apple production in the EU27 and UK is estimated to increase by 1 % to reach 12.167.887 T compared to last year. This year’s crop is also forecasted to be 9 % above the average of 2019-2020- 2021”. The European crop continues its adaptation to the varieties and quality specifications demanded by consumers. Dominik Wozniak, President of WAPA, indicated: “The prospects for the upcoming season are positive, although the sector will have to be prepared to face a variety of challenges including significant rising costs impacting the competitiveness of the sector, intense weather conditions, logistical issues, inflation, and difficulty to secure seasonal workers, with the ultimate goal of increasing consumption thanks to the quality of the products of the season and reverse the recent negative trend”.
Philippe Binard added: ”The EU pear crop for 2022 is estimated to increase by 20 % compared to last year’s record low crop of the decade and by 5 % compared to the 3-year average, rising to 2.077.000 T, mainly due to Italy and France more than doubling their production compared to 2021 (reaching 473.690 T and 137.000 T respectively), although, in the case of the former, the crop remains below its full potential.”. WAPA will continue to monitor the developments of the Northern Hemisphere crop and will issue updates when available.
The 2022 Prognosfruit Conference gathered more than 200 apple and pear sector experts from 23 countries. The event, organised by WAPA and Serbia Does Apples, featured the forecast and market analysis for the European apple and pear market as well as an overview of the latest trends in processing, organic, and the cider market. Luc Vanoideek (COPA COGECA-VBT) commented: “ The Belgrade meeting was the ideal opportunity to learn more about the development in the EU neighbourhood, including Serbia, Moldova, Ukraine, Turkey, as well as the Central Asia and Caucasus region” He further explained: “The additional contributions from representatives of China, India, and the USA provided to the conference a global outreach with the full picture of the whole Northern Hemisphere crop forecast.”
Prognosfruit is the compass for the apple and pear sector. Philippe Binard concluded: “The strong attendance at this first in-person Prognosfruit Conference after two years of online meetings is a clear sign that the sector representatives also very much appreciate the sense of community and networking opportunities that Prognosfruit provides. We look forward to continuing this tradition next year in Trento, Italy from 2 to 4 August 2023”.
Consumer fears over climate change have escalated around the globe over the last year. According to new research from the 2022 Mintel Consulting Sustainability Barometer, the number of global consumers citing climate change as a top three environmental concern has risen from an average of 39 % to 46 % between 2021-22*.
In addition to climate change, concern over water shortages (up from 27 % in 2021 to 31 % in 2022) and food shortages (up from 17 % to 23 %) have made the most significant gains in terms of environmental priorities in the past 12 months as extreme weather events and the conflict in Ukraine make these troubling realities more commonplace.
Climate change remains the world’s highest environmental priority with nearly half (46 %) of consumers globally citing it among their top three concerns. Air quality (eg exhaust fumes, industrial emissions) (36 %) and plastic pollution (eg ocean plastic) (33 %) complete the world’s top three environmental concerns; however, concerns about plastic pollution are down slightly from 36 % in 2021.
Growing awareness is evident as just under three in five (58 %) consumers globally agree that extreme weather events (eg flooding, heatwaves) in the country where they live encourage them to personally do more activities to protect the environment. And it seems helping the planet brings with it a feel-good factor as an overwhelming 68 % of consumers globally say doing things that benefit the environment makes them feel happy. While 38 % say they want to show other people how they are doing good for the environment (eg by sharing on social media). A further 24 % say they have researched their annual carbon footprint (eg with an online calculator or app).
While environmental priorities have shifted in the last year, consumers’ sustainable behaviours remain focused on simplicity and frugality: recycling packaging (59 % in 2022 v 60 % in 2021), meal planning to avoid food waste (53 % in 2022 v 52 % in 2021) and reducing clothes buying (50 % in 2022 v 52 % in 2021) remain the top global sustainable behaviours 2022-2021. Furthermore, global consumers’ optimism has stalled with 55 % believing that if we act now, we still have time to save the planet, compared to 54 % who said the same last year.
The second annual Mintel Consulting Sustainability Barometer features research and insight on consumers’ sustainability attitudes, behaviours and purchase preferences across 16 countries*. It offers recommendations for companies and brands based on best-in-class innovations, communications and campaigns.
Richard Cope, Senior Trends Consultant, Mintel Consulting, said: “The fact that concerns around climate change and water and food shortages are being prioritised ahead of previous preoccupations with waste and plastic pollution points towards the emergence of a more informed and hardened global consumer. Soaring temperatures, extreme weather events and disruptions to food, water and energy supply chains have given consumers a harsh reality check, hurting their health and wallets, and activating them in the process.
“In the meantime, escalating activism, regulatory reaction and the sheer scale of the challenges ahead and solutions required have educated global consumers enough to sniff out greenwashing campaigns and there’s no going back from that. This means companies will increasingly need to assert—and clearly communicate—the truly impactful actions they are taking to reduce emissions, rather than simply offset them or dip their toes into populist ‘plastic free’ campaigns. This growing awareness around resource inputs and emission and waste outputs will also spell the end for ‘environmentally friendly’ as a credible marketing term.
“Our research shows that the majority of consumers continue to see recycling and mitigating waste as important sustainable behaviours. This tells us that simple, frugal behaviours are the most popular among consumers which underlines the fact that brands’ sustainability initiatives need to deliver on value and convenience. Looking ahead to 2023, expect to see resource (food, water, money) conservation ascend further up the agenda and the use of economising technology refurbishers and urban peer access sharing economies to grow. For consumers, the connections between saving the environment, its resources and their money will strengthen.”
*1,000 internet users aged 16/18+ across 16 countries were surveyed in April 2022: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, UK, US; 500 internet users aged 16/18+ across 16 countries were surveyed in March 2021 with Indonesia and Mexico replaced by Poland and Ireland.
Data presented during the Prognosfruit conference speak to Poland’s and Italy’s good recovery. Forecasts for organic harvests are very promising. This year’s Interpoma Award will focus on sustainability.
Apple production figures showing overall stability are emerging from Prognosfruit, the annual conference organized by WAPA, the World Apple and Pear Association. During its 2022 edition, held in attendance in Belgrade after two years of pandemic-related online editions, the data presented on the upcoming European apple harvest estimate a yield of 12,168,000 tons which represent a slight growth of 1 % compared to 2021.
Poland spearheads the effort, boasting 4,495,000 tons (+ 5 %), followed by Italy at 2,150,000 tons, which equals a 5 % year-on-year growth. If we look at Italy, South Tyrol – the best-performing apple-growing region – registers a slight decrease in production (- 3 %) at 912,803 tons. A similar drop is evident in the Trentino region (- 1 %) with a forecast of 507,360 tons. France ranks third at 1,468,000 tons (+ 6 %), with Germany slightly behind at 1,067,000 tons (+ 6 %). One of the growing trends is Italy’s organic harvest, which is expected to reach a new record at just under 200,000 tons (+ 4 % YOY growth), representing more than 9 % of the total apple yield.
These facts and figures will dominate the Interpoma Congress scheduled for November 17 and 18 at Fiera Bolzano during the Interpoma trade fair (November 17-19, 2022). The international apple fair will focus on the industry’s innovations and cutting-edge automated fruit-picking technology, with experts from all over the world contributing to the debate. The program will, as usual, include many new items of interest, including the Congress’ coordinator himself, Walter Guerra. He has been the Vice-Director of the Laimburg Research Center since 2021, and the Head of the Pomology Working Group from 2005 onwards. Tickets to Interpoma Congress can be purchased online, with the Early Bird ticket costing €54 until August 31; after that, tickets will cost €69.
The most important world fair on apples would not be what it is without the Interpoma Award. The 2022 edition will focus on cutting-edge water-saving technologies in apple-growing. Two prizes will be awarded this year: one will go to companies or individuals, the other to start-ups. An expert jury will analyze the products or services submitted, such as machines, systems, components or devices. Applications for the award can be submitted by filling out an application form in English and sending it to interpoma@fieramesse.com. The deadline for submissions is September 30, 2022.
The Prognosfruit Conference is Europe’s leading annual event for the apple and pear sector, gathering growers from across Europe. After two successful online events in 2020 and 2021, Prognosfruit returns as an in-person event in Belgrade, Serbia, from the 3rd to the 5th of August 2022. Registrations are now open, and stakeholders and journalists are welcome to register via the Prognosfruit website. The complete programme of the 3-day event is now available.
Prognosfruit, the leading annual event for the apple and pear sector, will take place in Belgrade, Serbia, from the 3rd to the 5th of August 2022, returning as an in-person event after two successful online editions. Registrations for Prognosfruit 2022, organised by WAPA in cooperation with Serbia Does Apples, are now open on the Prognosfruit website.
Since 1976, Prognosfruit has released the annual apple and pear production forecast for the upcoming season. This year, the three-day event during which the report will be released will see representatives of the sector gather to discuss the Northern Hemisphere situation as well as global perspectives for apples and pears. The complete programme of Prognosfruit 2022 is available below and on the Prognosfruit website, along with the online registration form to attend the conference.
The 3-day event will be structured as follows:
On August 3rd, the Prognosfruit 2022 participants will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city of Belgrade, followed
by the Welcome Reception, which will take place at Belgrade’s Royal Palace;
The Prognosfruit 2022 Conference will take place on August 4th at the Hyatt Regency Belgrade. In the morning session, the European apple and pear forecast for the upcoming season will be revealed and complemented by an analysis of the market situation in the USA and China and a panel discussion with the major EU producers. The afternoon session will focus on the global perspectives for apples and pears, with an analysis of rising costs and logistical hurdles and an analysis of the sector in the EU neighbourhood;
The Conference will be followed by a Gala Dinner at the Kalemegdanska terasa on the evening of August 4th;
The event will conclude on August 5th with a technical visit to the apple orchard of the company Atos Fructum,
on the southern slope of Fruška Gora.
All the information about Prognosfruit 2022 and the online registration form to attend the conference available on the Prognosfruit website.
Sponsored Post – Does the beverage and liquid food industry also have Olympic aspirations? Manufacturers of beverages and liquid food and machine manufacturers have long since recognised the potential. Digitalisation and digital transformation are one of the four main topics at drinktec 2022, which will be held in Munich from September 12 to 16, 2022. With its range of exhibitors and supporting program, the world’s leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry offers broad views and focused approaches aimed at helping the industry become faster, achieve stronger results and intensify its focus on sustainable plant concepts in the next years.
(Photo: Messe München)
And the strong momentum around data use and process improvement is not only on the manufacturer side; retailers and consumers have long been active in these areas: Merging virtual and real worlds at the point of sale of the future is aimed at improving contact with consumers. One way to achieve that is through automation and networking with supply chain management, multimedia shopping environments for an individualised customer approach or online retailing.
An international study by the consulting firm PWC puts “digitising products and services” in second place among the top ten challenges of the next few years. The study by the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) on the future of food processing machinery also points in this direction: A supporter of the drinktec trade fair, the VDMA identifies digitalisation and concepts for intelligent networking and data use as a major focus for the industry’s future alignment until 2035.
Solutions for different perspectives
Digitalisation in the world of beverages and liquid food offers real added benefits for many users. One area that benefits is process engineering, where precise temperature profiles in the manufacturing process can seamlessly track production and identify quality parameters during the early stages of production. The best example of this is in the brewing process: In collaboration with equipment manufacturers and breweries, researchers used machine learning to model an efficient and more sustainable malt yield, and identify significant influencing factors for the malt yield.
Real time is another keyword. At this fall’s drinktec, machine manufacturers will offer numerous solutions for obtaining real-time information from machines: The online tracking of production and filling processes can yield higher performance, predictive maintenance, efficient conversion processes, an overview of consumption values and clear data on product quality. Providers of software solutions, such as manufacturing execution systems (MES), can already give preliminary estimates of the optimisation potential: Efficiency gains of up to 20 percent are possible for line operations, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is improved through maintenance cycles that are up to 30 percent longer, and product changes can be made at the planned time with 99 percent certainty.
While these solutions often require “only” extensive data collection and recording, another supplier goes even further: Thanks to more accurate detection of water droplets, an empty glass inspector trained in deep learning significantly reduces the output of glass bottles identified as defective. Needless to say, this saving can also be directly converted into CO2 savings: Depending on the line output, 25 to 100 t of CO2 can be saved through this improved rejection rate.
The possibilities of machine learning software also raise the expectations for maintenance tasks: One exhibitor at drinktec is already using this digital tool to detect anomalies in separator machinery. Condition-based maintenance with AR data glasses seems to have been taught almost everywhere and has been widely adopted by machine suppliers.
Every digital application is also another checkmark on the sustainability list. This is particularly clear in the case of cleaning technology, which uses optical realtime detection of contamination even inside containers and tanks and enables highly specialised cleaning cycles. A machine learning tool ensures that individual contamination levels are learned, detected and treated correctly.
More inspiration in the supporting program
drinktec 2022 brings together the full scope of innovation for the beverage and liquid food industry: In addition to the exhibitor portfolio, including a directory that lets visitors find providers of solutions to digitise production operations and their supply chain, visitors can also look forward to the supporting program when planning their visit: With presentations on the key topic of digitalisation at the drinktec Inspiration Hub in Halls A3 and B3, exhibitors and visitors will have the opportunity for in-depth interaction: Concentrated expertise and innovative applications offer fresh impetus for the future-oriented alignment of the industry.
More information about drinktec can be found online at www.drinktec.com
All Oranges 40.2 Million Boxes
The 2021-2022 Florida all orange forecast released today by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is raised 2.00 million boxes to 40.2 million boxes. If realized, this will be 24 percent less than last season’s revised final production. The forecast consists of 18.2 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, mid-season, and Navel varieties) and 22.0 million boxes of Valencia oranges. …
Please download the full citrus crop production forecast: www.nass.usda.gov
The harvesting of early oranges is expected to advance in May, which may raise supply and press down quotations. In general, availability has been growing since mid-April, weakening prices.
In April (until April 28th), the average price for pear oranges closed at BRL 42.10 per 40.8-kilo box (on tree), a slight 4.96 % down from that in March (BRL 43.00/box). Before that, values had increased for two months.
On the other hand, for early oranges, quotations were firm in April – the average price for rubi oranges closed at BRL 35.71/box, 3.63 % higher than that in March. As the values for this group of oranges have been lower than that for pear oranges, the competitiveness of early oranges has increased.
For the coming weeks, if prices drop, sales tend to increase, since demand may be higher. However, if values decrease too steeply, farmers may reduce the harvesting, since the oranges on tree have not reached the ideal maturation stage yet. Thus, citrus farmers may prefer to wait for the beginning of activities at processing plants. The industry’s purchase proposals for the oranges from the 2022/23 season have been up to BRL 32.00/box (harvested and delivered).
Although two plants of the large-sized processors were processing oranges in late April, activities were slow because of low supply. By the end of last month, only one plant was purchasing early oranges (as long as ratio is near or higher than 14).
Over 1,000 exhibitors and around 25,000 trade visitors at the Special Edition in Cologne
For four days, from April 26 to 29, 2022, the food and beverage industry met with its supplier sector at Anuga FoodTec – Special Edition – in Cologne, Germany. “Anuga FoodTec is and remains the central and international meeting place for the industry. And this leading position has been clearly underlined by the successful re-launch of the trade show here in Cologne. The right concept, at the right time,” said Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH. “The high-caliber trade audience that traveled from more than 120 countries met excellently positioned and committed exhibitors here in Cologne. Intensive effective discussions characterized the course of the trade fair. The exhibitors’ feedback confirmed to us once again how important personal encounters are for successful business,” added Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH.
Dr. Reinhard Grandke, Chief Executive Officer of DLG (German Agricultural Society) and Chairman of the Anuga FoodTec Advisory Board, clarifies: “The mix of physical and digital offerings underscored the high professional relevance of the international Anuga FoodTec platform and provided the right setting for successful business deals and investments. Compact, innovative formats offered numerous opportunities to take an in-depth look at the intelligent automation of production processes in the food and beverage industry. Along the entire value chain, new technologies and concepts were presented that push the sustainable use of natural resources. The important networking of science and business practice was again achieved in an exemplary manner in Cologne.”
The opening of Anuga FoodTec by Federal Minister Cem Özdemir also underscored the outstanding importance of the trade show for the industry. During his tour of the trade show, Minister Özdemir learned about a wide variety of new concepts and solutions for meeting the challenges facing food and beverage producers worldwide.
A total of around 25,000 trade visitors from over 120 countries were counted. The attendance from other European countries and from Germany was very strong. Visitor numbers from the Middle East and some African countries were also gratifyingly good. The proportion of visitors from abroad was around 57 percent.
As the most important platform of the year, Anuga FoodTec thus successfully launched the re-launch of the entire industry. The great need for investment and, at the same time, the high level of willingness to invest on the part of the inquiring industry was expressed, among other things, by the fact that many of the managing directors and plant managers who attended approached the exhibitors with concrete project ideas. In some cases, machines and equipment were even purchased on the spot. The current world situation has increased the need for answers to questions in areas such as energy efficiency, resource conservation and sustainability. In addition to key players, numerous medium-sized companies, smaller specialists and 28 start-ups also showed innovative concepts tailored precisely to the industry.
“Smart Solutions – Higher Flexibility” was the highly relevant guiding theme of the trade show and its extensive technical program, which was very well received by the international audience with over 200 specialist events. The DLG played a leading role, using its expertise to organize the numerous events in a variety of formats. For example, specialist forums highlighted a wide range of current topics in food technology and linked scientific findings with business practice. Visitors also received a compact overview and orientation with regard to pioneering innovations in the field of food technology during the Guided Tours on the exhibition grounds.
Until June 30, visitors will have the opportunity to network with exhibitors at the Anuga FoodTec @home digital extension, watch missed presentations from the congress program and pick up a wealth of other industry information. Visitors to Anuga FoodTec can use the platform, free of charge, while the rest can access the content after registering free of charge.
Orange production for the 2021-2022 crop season totaled 262.97 million boxes1
The 2021-2022 orange crop for the São Paulo and West-Southwest Minas Gerais citrus belt, published on April 11, 2022, by Fundecitrus – performed in cooperation with Markestrat, FEA-RP/USP and FCAV/Unesp2 is 262.97 million boxes of 40.8 kg each. Approximately 23.35 million boxes were produced in West Minas Gerais.
This final figure was 10.61 % smaller than the initially expected volume published in May 2021, corresponding to a significant crop loss of 31.20 million boxes. Although this was an “on-year” for the alternate-bearing, when plants produced a larger amount of fruit, a sharp decrease in rainfall and more intense atypical frosts inhibited the growth of oranges and contributed to an increased early fruit drop, therefore reducing the number of oranges at harvest. Under those conditions, there was a yield loss in groves, which made the crop decrease 2.11 % as compared to the previous one, resulting in a small crop for the second consecutive year. Total orange production included:
47.16 million boxes of the Hamlin, Westin and Rubi early-season varieties;
14.85 million boxes of the Valencia Americana, Seleta and Pineapple early-season varieties;
74.78 million boxes of the Pera Rio mid-season variety;
96.59 million boxes of the Valencia and Valencia Folha Murcha late-season varieties;
29.59 million boxes of the Natal late-season variety.
The May 2021 forecast considered that the yield of groves would be affected due to the lower rainfall volume that was already forecast for 2021. However, forecasts did not point to climate conditions as extreme as those observed, which brought greater than expected damage. The prolonged dry spell turned out to be the worst drought in almost a century, with water shortage in practically all regions of the citrus belt. That critical situation severely impacted rainfed groves, which encompass approximately 70 % of the total area and inevitably rely on rainfall. But even irrigated groves were affected by drought. In many locations, rivers and reservoirs reached the most critical levels ever recorded, restricting water use for irrigation. This crop’s most critical period was from May to September 2021, when accumulated rainfall was almost 70 % below historical average. The scenario started to improve in late September and early October when spring came …
1Hamlin, Westin, Rubi, Valencia Americana, Seleta, Pineapple, Pera Rio, Valencia, Valencia Folha Murcha and Natal. 2Department of math and science, FCAV/Unesp Jaboticabal Campus.
Beviale Moscow, the first holistic trade fair for the Russian beverage market, is being suspended indefinitely in light of current events. It will not take place, as planned, from March 29 to 31, 2022, in Pavilion 57 of the VDNH event center in Moscow.
In its sixth edition, Beviale Moscow was well on its way to building on previous successes. Around 100 exhibitors had registered for Beviale Moscow 2022 and some 5,000 visitors were expected, around two-thirds of them from Russia.
Trade fairs have always stood for the peaceful exchange of goods, services and ideas between different nations. Conversely, peace is a basic prerequisite for trade fairs to take place in the respective countries. Due to the armed conflict and the resulting sanctions, it is currently not possible to hold Beviale Moscow. It is therefore suspended for an indefinite period.
All Oranges 43.5 Million Boxes
The 2021-2022 Florida all orange forecast released by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is 43.5 million boxes, down 2 percent from the January forecast. If realized, this will be 18 percent less than last season’s final production. The forecast consists of 17.5 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, mid-season, and Navel varieties) and 26.0 million boxes of Valencia oranges. A 9-year regression has been used for comparison purposes. All references to “average”, “minimum”, and “maximum” refer to the previous 10 seasons, excluding the 2017-2018 season, which was affected by Hurricane Irma. Average fruit per tree includes both regular and first late bloom …
Please download the full citrus crop production forecast: www.nass.usda.gov
Top 4 megatrends shaping global beverages in the year ahead
TREATT take a look at the top 4 megatrends set to shape the future of the beverage industry, sharing the latest global data and insights.
For each megatrend TREATT get closer to the key drivers affecting consumer behaviour, what this means for beverages across the world and helps to answer your questions around consumer trends.
The megatrends are:
1. Health and wellbeing
Health and wellbeing has morphed from a trend to a way of life but remains a key motivator of consumer behaviour globally. From the silent generation to Gen Z, all are embracing both a preventative and curative approach to health in a holistic and more personalised way than ever before. Across the CPG landscape TREATT is witnessing a rapid evolution of this megatrend.
2. Sustainability and ethics
The health of the planet is now the top consumer concern. There is a mounting awareness and concern surrounding the scale, complexity, and interdependence of shared social and environmental challenges globally. As the pandemic continues to highlight global inequalities, sustainability and ethical consumption concerns will only increase in significance and further impact consumer purchasing behaviours.
3. Sensory and indulgence
Consumers are seeking enjoyment beyond tangible products themselves. They are becoming more “experience-driven” and are willing to pay more for an enhanced brand experience. It is therefore becoming increasingly important for brands to perform at an experiential level, and offer varied, novel, and complex sensations for optimal enjoyment.
4. Digital lifestyles
Shopping and consumption patterns continue to evolve at a rapid pace in our digital world. In a hyper-connected, technology-enabled society, consumers seamlessly integrate the use of multiple technologies into their lives an d buying behaviour.
The 2021-2022 Florida all orange forecast released by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is 44.5 million boxes, down 1.50 million boxes from the December forecast. If realized, this will be 16 percent less than last season’s final production. The forecast consists of 17.5 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, mid-season, and Navel varieties) and 27.0 million boxes of Valencia oranges. A 9-year regression has been used for comparison purposes. All references to “average”, “minimum”, and “maximum” refer to the previous 10 seasons, excluding the 2017-2018 season, which was affected by Hurricane Irma. Average fruit per tree includes both regular and first late bloom. …
Please download the full citrus crop production forecast: www.nass.usda.gov
The Covid pandemic continues to shake up the international event calendar in the global beverage technology sector in 2022. After intensive consultation with the companies and associations represented on the BrauBeviale exhibition advisory committee, the event organiser, NürnbergMesse, has decided to suspend BrauBeviale 2022, from 8 – 10 November 2022. “By taking this step, we are reacting early to the concerns of the market, and ensuring planning reliability for the industry” says Andrea Kalrait, Executive Director of BrauBeviale and Beviale Family. The next BrauBeviale, therefore, will be held from 14 to 16 November 2023 in Nuremberg.
About the BrauBeviale: The BrauBeviale is one of the leading international capital goods specialist exhibitions for the beverage industry in Nuremberg, with around 1,100 domestic and international exhibitors, and around 40,000 professional attendees from Germany and abroad. Alongside the Beviale Moscow, the Beviale Mexico, the Craft Beer China and the Craft Beer Italy, the BrauBeviale is part of the Beviale Family.
The world’s leading trade fair for global fresh fruit trade is being postponed to 5-7 April 2022.
The fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic is worsening the situation in many European countries. At the same time, the industry’s wish to meet in person remains unwaveringly high. In light of these circumstances, Messe Berlin has decided to postpone FRUIT LOGISTICA to a point on time beyond the fourth wave. FRUIT LOGISTICA 2022 will thus be held from Tuesday, 5 April to Thursday, 7 April.
Tate & Lyle PLC, a leading global provider of food and beverage solutions and ingredients, is pleased to unveil six key trends that are shaping consumer product innovation in the food and beverage market both today and tomorrow.
Consumers today expect more from their favourite brands, not only offering them products that are healthier and tastier, but which have been produced in a responsible and sustainable way.
Beth Nieman Hacker, Market Research Director at Tate & Lyle, said: “By understanding how values, behaviours and appetites are changing, and the drivers behind these shifts, food and beverage brands can launch products that meet the needs of consumers today and better anticipate how these will evolve.”
Tate & Lyle’s global market research team has conducted its own proprietary consumer research, studied hundreds of research papers and data points and, together with Tate & Lyle’s commercial teams worldwide, has identified the following key trends driving consumer purchases:
Transparency: increasing numbers of consumers are seeking healthy food and beverage products they can trust and want to know the source of the ingredients in those products. The clean label movement continues to evolve, moving from all-natural claims to communicating how products are made1.
Plant-Based: consumers are focused on health and sustainability, opting for products that are better for them and better for the planet. They are drawn to products that are plant-based because positive health outcomes and environmental impacts are associated with plant-based eating2.
Sugar reduction: consumers are looking for ways to get healthy and stay healthy. One recommendation to achieve better health is to reduce the amount of sugar in their diet. However, consumers are torn between reducing sugar and maintaining a great taste experience3.
Gut Health: globally, consumers are not getting enough fibre daily. Fibre helps support gut health and consumers are interested in getting more of it in their diet. As awareness of gut health and the benefits a healthy gut can provide continues to grow, more consumers will look for products with gut health benefits4.
Convenience: consumers are digitally connected and time poor, seeking ease, efficiency, and instant gratification from the products they buy, including food and beverages. Whilst convenient products meet the needs of global consumers amidst their busier, more stressful lives, this presents formulation challenges for manufacturers5.
Better-for-you snacking: snacking is an important meal occasion; however, consumers are prioritising their health. “Better-for-you” snacking products are an obvious choice to meet consumers’ health needs6.
Natalya Bright, Market Research Manager, at Tate and Lyle, said: “These global trends play to Tate & Lyle’s strengths as an ingredient provider, with our wide range of responsibly-sourced, almost exclusively plant-based solutions that are label-friendly and support healthy living.
“Since millions of people across the world consume products containing our ingredients every day, the heart of our business is about Improving Lives for Generations, and we’re proud to partner with our customers to do just that while helping them to succeed in the marketplace.”
184 % read ingredient labels, globally. Tate & Lyle Proprietary Research, 2020, 14 countries, percentages are “always” or “sometimes” 248 % of consumers say that they have changed their diets in the last two years in order to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. GlobalData 2020 Market Pulse Survey, Asia Pacific and Latin American, September 2020 358 % of consumers say healthfulness has an impact on buying food and beverages. International Food Information Council Foundation, 2021 Food & Health Survey, April 2020 453 % of global consumers plan to eat or drink more fibre. T&L Global Consumer Ingredient Perception Research, 14 countries, 2020 591 % of global consumers are interested in products that save them time and effort. GlobalData Trend Sights 2020 655 % of global consumers say that they expect snacks to offer a nutritional boost. FMCG Gurus, January 2021, Global
Mintel has today announced three trends set to impact global consumer markets in 2022. From technology that predicts the success of potential romances to brands tackling COVID-19 ‘survivor’s guilt’ and eco-anxiety, this year’s trends include:
In Control: In times of uncertainty, consumers crave a sense of control over their lives. Brands can deliver the information and options that consumers need to feel like they’re in the driver’s seat.
Enjoyment Everywhere: Having endured lockdown, consumers are eager to break out of their confines and explore, play and embrace novel experiences, both virtually and in the ‘real’, physical world.
Ethics Check: While many brands have made their voices heard on controversial topics, consumers want to see measurable progress against their goals.
Dana Macke, Director of Mintel Trends, Americas, comments on how the trends were developed, as well as how they will impact markets, brands, and consumers in 2022 and beyond:
“As experts in what consumers want and why, we’re best suited to accurately predict the future of consumer behavior and what that means for brands. In 2019, we took a bold, new approach to predict the future of global consumer markets and expanded our outlook to 10 years. Mintel’s 2030 Global Consumer Trends – known as the seven Mintel Trend Drivers – were developed as a living, growing prediction model that will adapt to the unforeseen. As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, impacting nearly every industry worldwide, our consumer expertise and prediction model meant we were well placed to analyze how it would impact markets. Not only did our 2030 predictions hold true, but the pandemic accelerated many of the shifts we foresaw.
“Looking ahead to 2022, our trend analysis and prediction research are grounded by observations of the seven Trend Drivers over the last 18 months and backed by Mintel’s robust consumer and market data, predictive analytics, action-oriented insights and expert recommendations. We put everything into context to better understand what it means for—and how it could inspire—our clients’ business decisions across industries, categories and demographics, and amid global themes and times of uncertainty.”
In Control
“Feelings of precariousness and financial insecurity both created, and exaggerated, by the pandemic mean that consumers are looking for a sense of control over every aspect of their lives. But misinformation is making it harder to carry out the necessary research to make informed decisions. Consumers need clarity, transparency, flexibility and options to make decisions that suit their individual changing needs and circumstances.
“Brands will need to work harder to deliver reliable information and balance censorship and authenticity. The race for the fastest delivery will evolve to focus on being more flexible, giving consumers more control over when products arrive to fit around their schedules or to match their other specific needs. Consumers’ desire to know potential outcomes will manifest in the development of predictive technologies that can anticipate adverse events. From diseases to likely death dates to relationship outcomes using compatibility profiles, technology will evolve to grant consumers the power to plan with peace of mind.”
Enjoyment Everywhere
“Consumers are seeking sources of joy as the continuing pandemic and other local and global crises have caused them anxiety and stress. Many may be feeling a kind of ‘survivor’s guilt’ and, as a result, brands are recognizing the importance of uplifting people by giving them permission to feel happiness once again.
“While the stress caused by the pandemic may no longer be central to consumer needs for fun and escapism, they will continue to seek enjoyment and playfulness. As brand interactions through campaigns, apps and transactions take on more and more gamified elements in response to consumer interest, expect to also see pushback against it and the instant gratification it offers. This tendency will rise from consumers taking a more mindful approach to pleasure and enjoyment.”
Ethics Check
“Consumer demand for, and expectations of, brands’ ethical commitments are evolving. They have moved beyond simply wanting brands to ‘be ethical’ and are demanding to see measurable, transparent and consistent actions from those they choose to support. Consumers will look beyond a brand’s achievements and strengths; businesses will need to be transparent about their weaknesses, too, where and why they fail and how they plan to address these issues in future.
“All the transparency in the world doesn’t necessarily help consumers to understand the impact of a brand, which is why it’s key to use metrics that accurately reflect the problems brands are trying to solve. If a company isn’t properly measuring what they aim to fix or change, it’s difficult to determine whether progress is being made, let alone communicate that progress in a way that consumers will understand,” concluded Macke.
World leader in human and animal nutrition releases second annual list of global consumer trends
ADM, a global leader in nutrition that powers many of the world’s top food, beverage, and health and wellness brands, released its second annual list of global consumer trends.
(Photo: ADM)
Based on in-depth research from ADM’s proprietary Outside VoiceSM consumer insights platform, ADM provides a breakdown of each growth space poised for takeoff in the new year. These insights are used by the world’s leading consumer brands to fuel product innovation.
Brad Schwan, vice president of category marketing for ADM, explains, “Consumers today continue to navigate a tumultuous environment that has uprooted every aspect of their lives. This has led forward-thinking brands to develop new solutions purpose-built to help consumers establish a sense of normality for themselves, their families and their pets. We’re seeing everything from foods, feeds and beverages that promote gut health to plant- based meat and dairy alternatives to biodegradable packaging.”
Below are the eight key consumer trends fueling current and future global growth that point the way for ADM’s innovation, renovation, and development platforms.
1 Nourishment for the Whole Self
Consumers want to be more proactive about supporting their mind and body through a balanced approach to diet and lifestyle. While this is a long-term trend, the recent global pandemic has placed renewed interest on mental well-being, with many looking for more effective ways to cope with stress and anxiety. Wholesome nutrition is one important way consumers are looking to support their holistic well-being. In fact, ADM Outside VoiceSM finds that 37 % of global consumers expect the snacks they eat to improve their mental well-being.
2. Plant-based Lifestyles
A flexitarian approach to eating has become mainstream as consumers look to functional, wholesome, plant-based nutrition to support healthy, environmentally friendlier lifestyles. In fact, it is expected that alternative proteins will very likely account for 11 % of the total protein market in 20352. This is being fueled, in part, by COVID-19, which has accelerated interest in plant-based, as a health-forward alternative for consumers who are paying close attention to their body’s nutritional needs. Food and beverage brands, in response, are broadening the landscape of nutrient- dense plant-based options for consumers, aiming to meet their growing demand for products that are sustainable, health and wellness oriented and safe.
3 Microbiome as The Root Of Wellness
Awareness of the microbiome as central to wellness has grown over time. Data from ADM Outside VoiceSM indicates that 58 % of global consumers are aware of the potential benefits that bacteria in the digestive system can have on their overall health. Today’s consumers are looking for foods, beverages and supplements that support gut health and overall well-being. Linked by consumers to immune function, aspects of metabolic health and even mood, mental acuity and feeling energized, consumers’ approach to supporting a healthy gut is evolving from reactive (seeking foods to alleviate discomfort) to proactive (tailored and customized pre-, pro- and postbiotic solutions), as they strive to achieve greater empowerment over their personal health and well-being.
4 Clean & Transparent Sourcing
Consumer demand for ‘clean label’ products, which they consider to consist of real, kitchen-level ingredients, has become table stakes. Today’s shopper is consistently searching for foods and beverages containing real, simple ingredients that can help promote a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. This has led to a desire for transparency across the entire product lifecycle, from how it’s made to how it’s packaged, and beyond. This is especially true during COVID-19, with consumers placing an increased emphasis on learning where their food comes from and trying to ensure the health and safety of themselves, their families, their pets and their communities. As consumers become more sophisticated in their understanding of the products they consume, 58 % of global consumers say they will be more attentive to locality claims as a result of COVID-195.
5 Humanization Of Pets
Pets are more commonly seen as part of the family – a trend that has been present over time but accelerated in strength during the pandemic. This extends to what their pets eat, with many pet parents transposing their purchasing values and preferences onto their furry companions. There’s been a 41 % increase in “all natural” pet foods launched globally3. Likewise, ADM Outside VoiceSM also found that 30 % of global pet owners spent a significant amount of time researching the best food options in the last year1. As consumers are challenged with changing lifestyles and a return to work, they will continue to monitor their pets’ overall well-being to ensure they’re providing foods and supplements aimed at helping them care for their minds and bodies.
6 Precise & Responsible Animal Feeding
The interconnectedness of the animal product supply chain is top of mind for today’s consumer. There is an increased demand for optimized feed solutions that support human and animal nutrition in an efficient, environmentally friendly manner for a range of animal species. This is driving brands to begin providing digital documentation explaining how the animal was raised, particularly related to its consumption of antibiotics and/or growth hormones. Nearly half (49 %) of consumers are willing to pay a premium for products with high quality assurances and verifiable safety standards4.
7 Sustainable Goodness
Consumers see sustainability as a moral imperative as they connect it to what is right and ethical, their community and the environment. In fact, 47 % of global consumers say they are now more attentive to sustainability claims5. This has sparked demand for ethical production and sustainable sourcing practices – such as regenerative agriculture and carbon negative production to protect the food supply of the future. Brands are responding by taking positions on environmental matters, aiming to reflect their commitments to increasing the sustainability of their production and distribution systems.
8 Advanced Renewables & BioSolutions
Today’s consumers are more conscious of the environmental impact of their consumption and the food system at large, with a specific focus on the use of finite materials and physical waste. With 38 % of global consumers being willing to pay more for products made with sustainable materials5, conscientious consumers are paying close attention to seeking out food, personal care and home care products that support the needs of their families, the environment and their local communities. And, consumers increasingly believe that companies should take greater responsibility for reducing waste and energy use from development to disposal.
Each of these growth trend spaces represents an opportunity for forward-thinking brands eager to maintain relevance with today’s consumer. ADM, a global powerhouse in human and animal nutrition, is positioned to provide these brands with the insights and novel solutions needed to meet consumer needs as they evolve in today’s ever-changing marketplace.
1ADM Outside VoiceSM 2Boston Consulting Group and Blue Horizon Corporation, Food for Thought, The Protein Transformation Report, 2021 3Mintel, The Future of Pet Food 2021 report 4Nielsen, Quality and efficacy may beat out price sensitivities amid coronavirus concerns, 2020 5FMCG Gurus: How Has COVID-19 Changed Consumer Behavior, Q21
“Shared Planet” leads Innova Market Insights’ Top Ten Trends, focusing on how everyone can play their part in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future. Consumers tell us they want to be ethically and environmentally conscious, so brands need to work alongside consumers to breed confidence in the claims attached to products. Trust and transparency are must-haves for any brand wishing to find common ground with an increasingly educated, forward-thinking and interconnected consumer base.
A sense of joint responsibility for our shared planet is guiding the choices consumers make and the lifestyles they wish to lead. Innova’s study, conducted across eleven countries, revealed that when it comes to food choices, the top two environmental actions people are taking are reducing waste (43 % of respondents) and eating in moderation (32 %).
“One of the biggest shifts we are seeing is that the health of the planet is now the top concern of consumers,” says Innova’s Global Insights Director Lu Ann Williams. “Personal health has been the big concern for the past few years, but consumers now tell us that this has been surpassed by global issues. Sustainability is no longer just a Wall Street issue. It might not be the top purchase driver for all consumers, but for many it clinches the deal when it comes to choosing between products.”
Elsewhere, concerns over health that have been amplified by a pandemic which has massively changed social habits, the continued advancements in technology, and more confident, vocal consumers, all offer clear signs of the direction innovators must take to successfully meet society’s needs and desires in 2022.
Innova’s Top Ten Trends, based on extensive, top-quality consumer and industry knowledge, provides the best insights for those needing to stay on top of the changing food and beverage landscape. Innova’s continually updated consumer research delves into the ‘what’ and the ‘why’ behind trends in the food and beverage industry, allowing innovators to forward plan with accurate and detailed insight into the main drivers behind consumer behavior. Looking to the future, Innova presents the top trends that will drive innovation and success in 2022:
1. Shared Planet
With planetary concerns now the number one global issue for consumers, brands are moving on from simply proclaiming their credentials to meeting a clear, agreed and understandable measurement of their environmental and social impact. There is a pressing need for companies to work together and with consumers to build trust in claims of zero or negative impact. It is vital to ensure universal acceptance of certifications and greater public faith in the transparency of brand actions. This requires quick, clear, tangible and trusted information combined with a product life story that truly stands up to scrutiny.
2. Plant-Based: The Canvas for Innovation
With personal health and global sustainability proving to be strong drivers of consumer choice, plant-based R&D has refocused from mimicking meat, fish and dairy to optimizing options that stand on their own merits. When asked what reasons consumers have for considering plant-based alternatives, they tell us they consider it healthier and better for the planet. A third reason, the desire for diet variation, is further boosting interest in plant-based beyond the traditional vegan and vegetarian sectors, leading to a 59 % increase in launches of new plant-based products in the year to August 2021. From convenience foods to gastronomy, people are looking for the quality alternatives plant-based products can offer.
3. Tech to Table
Technological advances have created major innovation opportunities for the entire food and beverage industry, offering greater possibilities to change every aspect of a product’s lifecycle from conception to consumption. While innovators embrace new production methods, consumers turn to apps and AI for guidance on personalized nutrition and a greater understanding of how to successfully fulfil their needs. Myths and misunderstandings are crumbling, so it has never been more important to engage in honest and open communication with consumers to ensure their continued trust in the advances of food technology. Respondents to Innova’s Consumer Survey say they are more willing to embrace changes such as new food technologies or sharing data if they can be shown to be beneficial to personal and global health.
4. Shifting Occasions
Lockdowns and the pandemic have reshaped existing eating occasions while at the same time helping to create new ones. Consumers have a greater awareness of the comforts and possibilities of home, so now seek more from going out. Industry leaders will be pushed to better serve evolving consumption occasions, creating products geared to the new expectations of a public whose social habits have been challenged.
5. Voice of the Consumer
Consumers are calling the shots and expecting more engagement from brands through digital and real-world channels. People are looking for food and beverages that align with their political, social and ethical values. If they can’t find them, entrepreneurial consumers are taking action to fill the gap themselves, satisfying specific market niches and co-creating products that meet their needs. Health, authenticity, responsibility and the simple craving for pleasure all combine in Innova Market Insights’ Top Ten Trends for 2022.
In addition to the top five, Innova has identified the following themes that will drive consumer actions in the coming 12 months:
6. Gut Glory
7. Back to the Roots
8. Amplified Experiences
9. Upcycling Redefined
The drinktec advisory board and Messe München have taken a joint decision to postpone the world’s leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry until the fall of 2022. The new dates are September 12 to 16, 2022. This action was prompted by the international nature of the drinktec event. The decision could not be delayed given that industrial goods trade fairs involve extensive planning and complex high-tech construction work.
Despite the coronavirus crisis, drinktec is registering high demand for floorspace from customers both in Germany and abroad. Three quarters of the available exhibition floorspace has already been booked. “This confidence in the brand and drinktec’s reputation as the world’s leading trade fair in its field are precisely why we need to ensure that we meet our customers’ expectations,” says Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Messe München. “Until recently, we assumed that the pandemic situation would improve, making international travel possible. The latest developments have quashed these expectations. Two thirds of all drinktec visitors come from abroad. Of these, half come from other continents. This means we cannot deliver the benefits of a leading global trade fair this year.”
The global beverage industry meets in Munich only once every four years. “Companies synchronize their innovative developments in line with this cycle, which is why we had to find timely dates in the trade fair calendar. Canceling altogether and leaving an eight-year gap in between trade fairs would have been unacceptable for the industry,” explains Dr. Pfeiffer.
Volker Kronseder, Chairman of the drinktec advisory board, welcomes the trade fair’s proactive approach as many exhibitors, especially those with large-scale exhibits, would have to start preparing for the trade fair now: “We are very glad to see that Messe München is acting on the unanimous wishes of the panel of experts. The earlier we take this decision, the lower the costs and the greater the planning security for customers. We expect conditions to be much improved and more stable in 2022.”
drinktec’s conceptual sponsor, the VDMA (German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association), also supports the decision. Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the VDMA’s Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association, says: “The beverage industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus and needs fresh impetus, which a drinktec weakened by travel restrictions couldn’t provide. The market can expect an impressive drinktec 2022 that will give the entire industry the stimulus it needs.”
Preparations and plans currently underway for drinktec 2021 and the integrated oils+fats event will now be seamlessly transferred to the new 2022 dates.
The pandemic and associated travel and event restrictions have also had an impact on Anuga FoodTec, which was originally scheduled for March 2021. After extensive discussions with industry participants and the German Agricultural Society (DLG), the professional and conceptual sponsor of the trade fair, Koelnmesse sees no alternative but to postpone Anuga FoodTec. The next Anuga FoodTec will take place from 26 to 29 April 2022.
“We sincerely regret that we have to postpone Anuga FoodTec until 2022 despite good preparation and encouragement from the industry. In the past few weeks, however, it has become apparent that there is growing skepticism and concern among all involved. As a result, many companies have pulled out in view of the infection situation and current uncertainty. However, Anuga FoodTec cannot take place without the important key factors of internationality and cross-industry participation. With this in mind, we have responded to the industry’s wish to postpone the trade fair with the new date,” says Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse. “The new event date is the best possible solution, taking into consideration the international trade fair calendar, and the available time and space capacities. This allows us to provide the industry with a vision and planning security”.
In 2022, the trade fair will take place as a hybrid event, combining both an inperson and digital platform. The addition of a digital platform to the physical component creates the foundation for as many people as possible from Germany and abroad to have access to the latest technologies and processes in the food and beverage industry and for promoting sustainable networking within the industry.
“Like the companies, we will use the time to fully prepare ourselves for the upcoming trade fair and boost the industry’s restart further with digital tools and additional reach. Koelnmesse will of course continue to count on the presence of international exhibitors and visitors in April 2022,” continued Frese. “Trade fairs offer the opportunity for products and the people behind them to be experienced through personal interaction and exchange. This is the ideal basis for successful business.”
“As the professional and conceptual sponsor of Anuga FoodTec, we very much regret that the leading international supplier fair for the food and beverage industry will not be able to take place in March 2021 as planned. As a platform for professionalexchange across industry boundaries, Anuga FoodTec is a central partner for the entire food sector, focusing on current topics and providing important impetus with the presentation of forward-looking technologies and innovations. We are therefore even more pleased that in spring 2022 Anuga FoodTec will once again be the meeting place for the international food technology and supplier industry under the guiding theme ‘Smart Solutions – Higher Flexibility'”, says Simone Schiller, Managing Director of the DLG Food Technology Center.
Koelnmesse is the organiser of Anuga FoodTec. DLG is the professional and conceptual sponsor of Anuga FoodTec.
