What do consumers want, and what foods and beverages drive growth? Market research gives us some answers. The current 2026 Top Ten Trends from Innova Market Insights once again show that foods and beverages that promote physical and mental wellness are very much in demand from consumers – especially if they offer the perfect taste. Foods adapted to the individual requirements of consumers are popular, as are affordable or sustainable offerings. With new ideas for high-sales food & drink concepts, Hydrosol helps manufacturers address the trends of tomorrow.

High protein remains the Top Trend

“Powerhouse Protein” for overall wellbeing is the most important trend for this year, according to Innova Market Insights. Consumers are looking for protein-rich products, ideally enriched with vitamins and minerals, that support mental fitness as well as gut health and the immune system. Healthy aging, weight management, and athletic performance are further important criteria. Hydrosol has developed multiple concepts to meet these expectations, including a stabilising system for meal replacement drinks. The system ensures stable emulsions with creamy mouthfeel and high satiation effect. The final product features high protein content and can also be declared as a source of fiber.

Wide range of delights

The many facets of indulgence are at the focus of the second Innova Top Trend: “Layers of Delight.” It is based on four pillars: comforting moments, mood enhancing, rich sensory enjoyment, healthier enjoyment. Familiar flavours are in demand as are new creations, and Hydrosol offers the right inspirations for both. For example, with one of the stabilising systems from the Stabisol series dairies can make a trendy matcha latte. The system provides high stability and a pleasant mouthfeel. It can be combined with plant proteins and offered in a range of flavours. Another advantage is that there is no sedimentation during storage.

Individual moments

Convenience is a common denominator in the expectations of different target groups that Innova addresses together in the Top Trend “Made for Moments”. Whether small portions for single households or family packs, consumers are looking for varied formats in snacks, fresh meals, and individual portions. The choice of new flavour sensations should be at least as varied. DIY ice cream in pouches is one example. The product is easy to make on a UHT line with the help of a new Stabimuls series compound. After filling into pouches it can be sold in stores in liquid form, or deep-frozen just before consumption, for example at a kiosk. Creative compositions in various flavours can be made to meet customer demand. Thus, these DIY ice creams give dairies access to a new category.

Market summary

According to DataIntelo, in 2023, the global frozen fruits market size is estimated to be valued at approximately USD 5.7 billion and is projected to reach USD 9.8 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2 % from 2024 to 2032. The growth of this market is driven by increasing consumer demand for convenient and healthy food options, alongside advancements in freezing technology that preserve the nutritional content and taste of fruits.

The frozen fruits market has gained remarkable traction over the past decade, emerging as a convenient and nutritious alternative to fresh fruits. With changing consumer lifestyles, a growing preference for ready-to-use food products, and the increasing awareness of food wastage, frozen fruits have become a staple in many households and food service establishments worldwide. This market includes a wide variety of fruit products that are preserved through freezing techniques to maintain taste, texture, and nutritional value over time.

Market drivers

Several factors are contributing to the growth of the frozen fruits market. Chief among them is the rising demand for convenience food driven by urbanisation and hectic lifestyles. Consumers, particularly in developed and emerging economies, are leaning toward time-saving meal solutions that do not compromise on health. Frozen fruits offer year-round availability, consistent quality, and longer shelf life, making them highly desirable.

Moreover, the expanding popularity of smoothies, yogurts, desserts, and health-focused snacks has further propelled demand. Foodservice industries and fast-food chains increasingly rely on frozen fruits to streamline their operations without compromising flavour or freshness.

Technological advancements

The adoption of advanced freezing technologies, such as IQF (Individual Quick Freezing), has revolutionised the market by preserving fruit quality more effectively. These innovations ensure minimal nutrient loss and better texture retention, which appeal to health-conscious consumers. Furthermore, improved packaging solutions have enhanced product visibility and extended product shelf life, helping manufacturers minimise waste and improve logistics.
Regional insights

North America and Europe currently lead the global frozen fruits market, driven by high consumer awareness and well-established cold chain infrastructures. However, the Asia-Pacific region is poised for significant growth, thanks to increasing disposable incomes, changing dietary patterns, and growing urban populations in countries like China and India. Governments and private sectors in these regions are investing in better refrigeration and distribution networks, further supporting market expansion.

Challenges and constraints

Despite the optimistic outlook, the market faces challenges such as seasonal availability of raw materials, high storage and transportation costs, and consumer perception regarding preservatives and freshness. Additionally, fluctuations in agricultural yield due to climate change can impact the supply chain and pricing.

Future outlook

The frozen fruits market is expected to grow robustly in the coming years, driven by innovation, greater health awareness, and expanding retail distribution. Sustainable sourcing practices and eco-friendly packaging are anticipated to become more important, with companies focusing on reducing environmental impact while meeting consumer demand.

Competitive landscape

Major key players in the market are:

• Dole Food Company, Inc.
• Ardo NV
• Hain Celestial Group, Inc.
• Kerry Group plc
• SunOpta Inc.
• AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG
• Welch Foods, Inc.
• Del Monte Foods, Inc.
• SICOLY Cooperative
• Titan Frozen Fruits
• J.R. Simplot Company
• Wawona Frozen Foods
• Nature’s Touch Frozen Foods

Explore how different food and beverage categories in Germany are developing

Germany, known for its love of hearty meals and indulgent treats, is experiencing a fascinating shift in its food and beverage landscape. While Germans remain a nation of food lovers, they are increasingly prioritising health and sustainability. Here, through our 360 research into the German food and beverage market, we explore how these values are influencing purchasing decisions across various categories, from beverages to snacks and meal preparation.

Beverages in the German Market

German consumers want to reduce their alcohol intake; however, alcoholic beverages are still at large within the country. When asked why they want to control how much alcohol they drink, the most common consumer response was “because it is unhealthy.” Some consumers are turning to non-alcoholic beverages as replacements. Beer is the dominant non-alcoholic beverage in Germany, but variety and novelty is helping drive other non-alcoholic beverage purchases. Indulgent is the top claim for non-alcoholic beverage drinkers, chosen as most important by 25 % of consumers. A further 16 % look for low/no/reduced sugar claims, so healthy indulgence should be a target of note for innovators.

In soft drinks, bottled water consumption is on the rise, with more than one in five Germans increasing their intake in the past year. Two in three named its healthy image as a driver of consumption. For other key soft drinks subcategories, such as carbonated beverages, energy drinks, iced coffee and iced tea, the combination of low/no/reduced-sugar claims with indulgence positionings are the most influential claims for consumers …

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