Premium fruit and vegetable ingredients supplier SVZ sets out its predictions of the essential trends that will shape the food and beverage (F&B) industry in 2025. With an emphasis on nutritional value, and how it can be further supported by fruit and vegetable ingredients, SVZ’s three top trends reflect how consumers see F&B products as more than just fuel – but as routes to improved well-being, a greener, fairer economy and even authentic self-expression.
1. Back to basics: Fundamental nutrition
SVZ’s first top trend is consumers’ return to fundamental nutritional truths. Half a decade on from the COVID-19 outbreak, the connection between diet and health remains a central topic. Most Europeans report that they eat more healthily now than five years ago, but even so, many still worry about making the right choices amid a sea of conflicting advice.1 In France, 51 % of those surveyed by Mintel stated they felt pressure to eat and drink healthily.2 Pair this statistic with another from the same report which shows that around one in five respondents are attracted to core nutritional claims such as high fibre, vitamin or mineral content, and the ‘fundamental nutrition’ trend starts to take shape.3
“Shoppers are overwhelmed and wary of vague or complex nutritional claims,” comments Johan Cerstiaens, Commercial Director at SVZ. “Instead, they want options with clear, common-sense benefits that reflect the basics of nutrition. A great example is products which help consumers reach their recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. It’s a claim valued by more than a third of shoppers, but real fruit puree or a vegetable juice is also a great source of natural flavour and nutrition too.”
2. The ‘so-what’ consumer: Rebellion takes centre stage
Directly challenging the much-discussed ‘nutrition-above-all-else’ attitude, 2025 will be the year of the rebellious food and beverage consumer. This theme is defined by personal expression, imperfections and guilt-free consumption. While some address their dissatisfaction with diet trends by going back to basics, others are taking a more radical approach. For instance, 34 % of French shoppers believe ‘life is too short’ to worry about specific food and drink choices, while worldwide, 43 % of consumers state they want to see more indulgent and ‘crazy’ food and drink creations.4 New-year trend predictions from Mintel, FMCG Gurus5 and Innova Market Insights all reference these rebels who prioritise gratification over righteousness.
“This trend is so interesting because it presents several different routes to success,” Cerstiaens continues. “On the one hand brands can lean into the convention-bucking aspect with wild and wonderful flavour combinations, but on the other they could focus on authenticity by demonstrating how their products align with key consumer values, such as plant-based eating or ethical sourcing.”
3. Supply and demands: Food safety, security and sustainability
SVZ’s final 2025 trend relates to the impact of geopolitical and climate-related disruptions on the food and beverage segment. From major political events to increasingly volatile weather events, global supply chains are under pressure – and shoppers are taking notice. Between on-shelf shortages and the rise of ‘skimpflation’6, reports of consumer concern are unsurprising, with 77 % of Italian adults for instance believing that climate change will affect the availability of supermarket products in their lifetime.7 In fact, globally, two thirds of shoppers state that sustainability is more important to them now than it was two years ago8, suggesting this is a purchase driver that will only continue to grow in importance.
“While it may not always be the easiest of topics, at SVZ we know no discussion about the future of food and beverages is complete without addressing sustainability and security of supply,” states Cerstiaens. “Through our daily operations, we have a seen genuine determination, from farm to fridge, to build a fairer, greener and more efficient global food system. Rather than being discouraged by current challenges therefore, as a sector we should be inspired to collaborate across the supply chain, drive innovation in natural ingredients and adopt sustainable sourcing strategies that help keep the F&B industry climate-resilient.”
1Mintel Food & Drink Trends 2025, mintel-food-drink-trends-2025-for-emea-webinar.pptx
2Mintel Food & Drink Trends 2025, mintel-food-drink-trends-2025-for-emea-webinar.pptx
3Mintel Food & Drink Trends 2025, mintel-food-drink-trends-2025-for-emea-webinar.pptx
4Innova Market Insights, Top 10 F&B trends 2025, Top_10_F&B_Trends_2025_-_Global_202411112106333605.pptx
5FMCG Gurus, Bitesized Trends Digest 2025, https://fmcggurus.com/wpcontent/themes/fmcg/static/img/fmcg_gurus_trend_digest_2025.pdf
6Where a product’s recipe is switched to lower quality ingredients, but the price remains the same.
7Mintel Food & Drink Trends 2025, mintel-food-drink-trends-2025-for-emea-webinar.pptx
8NIQ Report – The changing climate of Sustainability, https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/education/2024/rise-of-functional-beverages/
Doehler, a global producer, marketer and provider of technology-driven natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions for the food, beverage and lifescience & nutrition industry strengthens its portfolio in red fruit and vegetable ingredients and extends its market presence in the USA and Asia with the acquisition of SVZ.
Doehler, a global producer, marketer and provider of technology-driven natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions announces the acquisition of SVZ, subject to regulatory approval. This strengthens Doehler’s portfolio of natural red fruit and vegetable ingredients and its global market presence, expanding the operations in the USA and Japan.
SVZ is known for its high-quality purees, concentrates and ingredients of sustainably sourced vegetables and red berries. With production sites in the USA, Spain, Poland and Belgium, SVZ has established a strong global presence and successfully built a base of premium customers in the food, beverage and lifescience & nutrition industry. SVZ’s experience and operational excellence perfectly complements Doehler’s sourcing, production and supply chain capabilities. With this acquisition, customers will benefit from an even broader ingredient portfolio and larger raw material base.
Consumers’ interest in healthier nutrition creates a rising demand for ingredients that offer better nutritional value and superior sensory experiences from sustainable raw materials. SVZ’s portfolio contributes to this trend by offering a variety of low-calorie, high-fiber and nutrient-rich fruit and vegetable ingredients that enhances the overall nutritional content of food and beverages. SVZ’s products seamlessly integrate with Doehler’s portfolio of natural ingredients and ingredient systems.
About SVZ
SVZ supplies high quality fruit and vegetable ingredients to food and drink manufacturers around the world. Its long heritage in agricultural supply and accredited sustainability initiatives ensure a consistent, premium quality ingredient supply. With more than 100 years’ experience in the global fruit and vegetable agribusiness, SVZ represents quality leadership throughout the whole supply chain. Headquartered in Breda, SVZ has state-of-the-art production facilities in Belgium, Poland, Spain and the US, where it has built strong partnerships with local growers to ensure fruit and vegetables are cultivated, harvested and processed to the highest standards. Strategically positioned at the heart of the fruit and vegetable supply chain, SVZ is committed to enacting positive, sustainable change in the fruit and vegetable ingredient industry by Growing better, together.
SVZ, a premium fruit and vegetable ingredient supplier, introduced its latest innovation at Fi Europe 2022: Carte Blanche white base solutions, designed to help manufacturers deliver vibrant flavours and colours with reduced sugar content.
Carte Blanche: Less creates more
Featuring white carrot and pumpkin as its star products, Carte Blanche addresses industry demand for natural and versatile bases with functional benefits such as reduced sugar content, neutral appearance, or subtle flavour profile. The new, fully customisable solutions are ideal for a wide array of applications, from smoothies and beverages to savoury snacks, and desserts.
“There is a real need for reduced sugar fruit and vegetable bases right now as many manufacturers look to give their beverages, baked snacks and even desserts a ‘better-for-you’ make over. What’s unique about Carte Blanche is that it’s not only low-sugar, but offers a neutral taste and colour profile to help the ingredients that count shine through in recipes. It’s also perfect for adding ‘stealth vegetables’ to products, boosting nutritional credentials without having to sell the idea of veggie smoothies and snacks to sceptical consumers. With this solution, less truly creates more.”, comments Johan Cerstiaens, Commercial Director at SVZ.
As two of the largest seaports in Europe, Rotterdam and Antwerp play an important role in the global trade of fresh produce. In 2020, for example, approximately 2.2 million tons of fruit and vegetables entered Antwerp via the North Sea, while the Port of Rotterdam processed an enormous 5.2 million tons across the entire year.
The popularity of fresh produce shows no sign of abating two years later, either. There is currently a strong call for 100 % natural, healthy foods and drinks as consumers become more aware of the effect what they eat has on their overall health and wellbeing. The tons of imported fruit and vegetables that the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp process every day are crucial to meeting this continued demand.
However, this imported produce also includes fruit and vegetables which aren’t considered suitable for selling fresh – either due to their level of ripeness or appearance. This results in an estimated 5 % of produce that is usually used for biofuel, if not wasted – primarily apples, bananas, pears and tropical fruits such as mangoes and pineapples.
SVZ is committed to implementing sustainable initiatives throughout the supply chain that minimise the environmental impact of their business. It already takes in excess kiwi fruit from Belgian ports, but now the business is looking to take more surplus fruit and vegetables from Rotterdam and Antwerp. In fact, SVZ’s soon-to-be expanded Rijkevorsel processing plant is perfectly positioned to take in produce from both ports.
“The consolidation of agreements with importers and fruit companies that operate in the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp is an exciting development for us,” says Monique Behrend-Dullaert, Director of Procurement & Agronomy at SVZ. “We’re passionate about making the agro supply chain more sustainable, and we’re already making headway with programmes focused on biological control and the promotion of wellbeing in farming communities.
“According to the UN, nearly half of all fruit and vegetables are wasted globally every year. We feel a responsibility, as a key supplier within the industry, to contribute to the reduction of this number. SVZ is committed to exploring new and exciting ways to make the agro supply chain more sustainable, and we’re excited to see the results of this initiative.”
For more information about SVZ’s portfolio of high-quality fruit and vegetable ingredients, and the business’ approach to sustainability, visit their website today: www.svz.com.
Premium fruit and vegetable ingredient supplier SVZ announced a strategic investment for its Belgian processing plant in Rijkevorsel. The latest in a series of global growth and sustainability-focused investments, SVZ seeks to expand the facility’s capacity to meet rising consumer demand for fruit and vegetable ingredients – while also boosting its sustainability credentials.
Growing capacity
Demand for naturally healthy, nutritious ingredients is growing as consumers become more aware of the impact what they consume has on their wellbeing. To fulfil this need, SVZ is investing in the capacity and processing technology required to process larger quantities of fruit and vegetable ingredients on-site without compromising on quality. A new pasteuriser in the plant, for example, will allow its Belgium facility to boost its puree production significantly.
This investment follows similar expansions across SVZ’s global processing plants, as the business meets this heightened demand for fruit and vegetable ingredients. In Poland, for example, the Tomaszów facility’s concentrate line has been bolstered, while SVZ’s US-based plant has not only boosted its puree line but is also investing in new automation technology to streamline the production process even further.
Sustainability first
SVZ’s investment in the Rijkevorsel plant also supports the business’ sustainability efforts – and progress towards its 100 % sustainable sourcing goal. The Belgium facility has seen a massive reduction in CO2 emissions over the last two years – and this new effort will aim to build on this by further decreasing heat consumption and exploring new ways of reusing expended energy within the facility. Indeed, the new pasteuriser will reduce emissions by 19 % – a crucial step in SVZ’s journey to low carbon production.
This new investment also contributes to SVZ’s broader mission of boosting the sustainability credentials of all global processing sites. SVZ’s Spain-based plant in Almonte, for example, has been recently fitted with solar panels, and a new cold storage facility has also been constructed to reduce reliance on third party-storage and transportation. Meanwhile, SVZ’s US processing plant has focused recent investment on water treatment, so water can be cleaned and reused.
Growing better, together
“SVZ has its sights set firmly on the future,” says Pieter Spanjers, CEO at SVZ. “This new investment increases our Rijkevorsel plant’s processing capacity and capabilities to ensure future growth. We are working on an agreement that will significantly increase our sourcing capacity, and we need a facility that allows us to efficiently absorb those heightened volumes, as well as serve our customers while keeping the highest standards of quality.
“We’re passionate about creating a healthier, greener planet and we want to do our part in ensuring it for all generations. This investment will enable us to continue our mission effectively and support our customers in creating tomorrow’s food and beverage products.”
Premium fruit and vegetable ingredients supplier, SVZ, is pleased to announce its new brand tagline, ‘Growing better together’. Accurately demonstrating the business’ sustainable, collaborative values, the tagline also indicates SVZ’s continuing commitment to growing a better, greener world together with its customers and partners.
SVZ is passionate about collaborating with its partners, customers, farmers and suppliers to provide the very best fruit and vegetable purees, concentrates and NFC juices all year round. To further demonstrate the importance of trust, connection and partnerships across the entire supply chain, SVZ’s ‘Growing better together’ slogan represents everything the company stands for in working towards a healthier world for future generations.
SVZ has also refreshed its website to display these collaborative, future-focused values. Easy to navigate and with a refreshed design, the platform reflects the company’s growing better together ideals as it promotes a smoother transaction from concept to consumer.
Pieter Spanjers, CEO, SVZ comments: “At SVZ, ‘growing better together’ is what we do best. From our own employees to our farmers and customers, we’re delighted to work in such close collaboration. It’s only by strengthening these connections that we can create the highest-quality, tastiest fruit and vegetable ingredients.
Take our product development programme, for example, which is based on the latest trends and consumer needs. The ingredients we create are tailored to our customers’ requirements, and it’s only by working closely with our partner farmers that we can ensure that their needs are met with a great taste and high nutritional value. Plus, our connection with growers also means that we can guarantee sustainability credentials in our ingredients, through initiatives like a reduction in pesticides and water usage.
Our new website, which has been built to enhance the user experience, will be a key tool for close collaboration with various stakeholders and we look forward to growing together with our partners on the platform. We work on a global scale with our customers, suppliers and employees of Cosun and SVZ to co-create sustainably sourced ingredients that will appeal to consumers worldwide. Together, we can build a future-proof supply chain for our children and future generations and, ultimately, grow better together.”
For more information please visit: www.svz.com
SVZ, a leading supplier of fruit and vegetable ingredients, is set to showcase an exciting new addition to its 100 % natural, sustainably sourced portfolio at FiE 2019. The company will be presenting its core offering of traceable, high-quality fruit and vegetable purees, juices and concentrates, as well as exciting new products, including authentic strawberry and sour cherry chunky purees.
Chunky puree: bringing more bite to fruit puree
As well as sampling delicious healthy honeyberry shots, visitors to SVZ’s stand at FiE 2019 can find out more about the new chunky purees: the latest addition to the company’s premium portfolio. Minimally processed and retaining pieces of real fruit within a rich, high-quality puree, the new chunky range allows dairy, ice cream and dessert producers to create 100 % natural, clean label products that offer the look, taste, and bite of authentic home-made purees. The size of the fruit pieces in new chunky purees can be individually tailored according to the customer requirements, allowing brands to create a unique texture profile. Chunky purees provide a high-quality and easy-to-use NPD ingredients solution that is ideal for transparent packaging and the ‘healthier choice’ products of premium brands.
Delivering 100 % natural, traceable ingredients
SVZ has remained committed to offering the very best in entirely natural, premium food and beverage ingredients. Today, the company’s extensive portfolio has grown to encompass everything from raspberry and haskap berry puree to cucumber and red beet juice. With its long-standing dedication to building supply-chain visibility and working with suppliers to develop more sustainable farming practices, from the very start SVZ has inspired its customers to harness the power of nature and create the healthy, traceable products consumers increasingly demand.
“The launch of new chunky purees not only opens up a host of exciting NPD possibilities for producers, but equally demonstrates our dedication to serving the ever-changing needs of our customers”, comments Johan Cerstiaens, Commercial Director at SVZ. “From healthy reformulation to minimally processed ingredients for a more authentic, ‘home made’ feel, our ingredients are designed to create exciting taste and texture experiences that satisfy the core demands of today’s consumers. Our commitment to achieving 100 % sustainable sourcing by 2030 additionally means our products don’t just look and taste good, but aim to do good as well.”
Stand 6E110, 3 – 5 December 2019, Paris, France
Premium fruit and vegetable ingredients supplier SVZ is pleased to announce the appointment of Inge van Disseldorp as its new sustainability manager. With over a decade of experience in corporate sustainability, Inge will build on SVZ’s longstanding commitment to environmentally conscious business and focus on implementing the company’s plans to achieve 100 % sustainable sourcing by 2030.
Formerly a corporate responsibility consultant, Inge was most recently responsible for devising and implementing sustainable purchasing practices within the procurement department at Sligro Food Group, the Dutch leader in foodservices. There she worked to align sustainability initiatives with business development goals and was responsible for developing and implementing the company’s sustainable sourcing strategy. As a member of the CSR steering committee, Inge worked to foster a company-wide sustainable ethos as well as creating sustainable business opportunities driving engagement with both buyers and suppliers.
Her primary focus at SVZ will be on improving sustainable sourcing, traceability, biodiversity and agricultural practices, while contributing to a better environment at large. Inge will leverage SVZ’s close relationships with growers to provide the sustainably sourced, traceable products that consumers demand, while also engaging with farmers, addressing the challenges they face and ensuring fair labor practices.
“The potential to make a tangible difference by working closely with farmers and promoting sustainable production right from the source is one of the key factors which attracted me to the position at SVZ,” comments Inge. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of building on SVZ’s industry-leading sustainability credentials and utilizing my deep personal investment in environmental causes to deliver initiatives that meet the needs of customers, farmers and the wider planet”.
Anouk ter Laak, CEO, states, “We are pleased to welcome Inge to SVZ. Her passion for sustainability, both in her career and personal life, make her a perfect fit for the role of sustainability manager at SVZ. For over 150 years, we have upheld the core principles of sustainable sourcing, environmental consciousness and valuing people. Inge embodies each of these values and we are excited to see her in action”.
Following several consecutive years of growth, SVZ, the leading provider of processed fruit and vegetable ingredients, is undertaking a three year investment programme at its facility in Almonte, Spain. Beginning with the commission of a new puree concentrate line and improvements to SVZ Almonte’s filling area, the company has now completed the installation of additional freezing capacity in time for the summer 2018 strawberry season.
Strawberries constitute a large percentage of SVZ’s red fruit portfolio and are sourced from a network of carefully-chosen growers in the Huelva region. The premium fruits are processed quickly at source into purees and puree concentrates, which are then supplied to customers all over Europe. With burgeoning demand from the food and drink industry, especially beverage makers and dairy processors, SVZ embarked on a three year plan to increase its Almonte capacity from 12,500 to 20,000 metric tonnes annually. The development will also support the company as it expands Almonte’s product range to include raspberries and blackberries as well as vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers and zucchinis.
The investment is fundamental to the company’s ambitious growth plans for the coming years, according to Anouk ter Laak, SVZ’s CEO. “Demand for natural and sustainable fruit and vegetable ingredients is growing exponentially throughout Europe and we constantly invest in our capacity, expertise and growers to ensure we remain at the forefront of the industry,” she says. “We have been processing in Almonte for over thirty years, meaning we have an enviable supply chain and superb knowledge of the region, and its unique characteristics, which we can leverage to serve our customers even better in the future. Our facilities are obviously vital in maximising the freshness, nutritional quality and taste of our ingredients as well as our ability to deliver quickly to customers throughout Europe and beyond.”
SVZ’s commercial director, Johan Cerstiaens, adds: “The Almonte investment plan is improving many aspects of our operations and already providing benefits for our customers and our employees. As we move into the last stage of the programme, investment will be built around the specific needs of those customers, so our business is even better aligned to theirs.”
Premium fruit and vegetable ingredient supplier, SVZ, has announced that it is to open a representative office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, offering local support to customers in the Asian region. A new sales manager, Mr. Kevin Cheong, has also been appointed to support strategic growth in Asia.
The new office underlines SVZ’s commitment to strengthen its position in Asia’s dynamic food and drink industry by offering premium, traceable fruit and vegetable ingredients and unparalleled agronomy expertise in the region, as well as supporting customers and bolstering strategic relationships.
The company’s new sales manager, Mr. Cheong, joins SVZ on 1 August, with a wealth of experience in food ingredients and a degree in food science and technology. Previously sales director at PureCircle, Kevin will be instrumental in growing SVZ’s fruit and vegetable business and provide on-the-ground customer support to customers in Asia.
