Research reveals key trends set to impact food and drink market in 2017: Operators have opportunities to provide customers with more functional food and drink designed for evening consumption and affordable healthy food for low-income consumers, according to new research. Highlighting key trends set to impact the global food and drink market in 2017, Mintel said 2017 would be a year of extremes, from “ancient” products including grains, recipes, practices and traditions to the use of technology to create more and better-tasting plant-enhanced foods. Mintel’s global food and drink analyst Jenny Zegler said: “People are seeking the safety of products that are recognisable rather than revolutionary. The trust in the familiar emphasises the opportunity for operators to look to the past as a dependable source of inspiration such as ‘ancient’ product claims, including ancient grains and also ancient recipes, practices and traditions. Potential also exists for innovations that use the familiar as a base for something that’s new but recognisable, such as cold-brew coffee. In 2017, the food and drink industry will welcome more products that emphasise plants as key ingredients to align with consumers’ nearly omnipresent health and wellness priorities. More retailers and restaurants are addressing the sheer amount of food and drink that is wasted around the world, which is changing consumer perceptions. In 2017, the stigma associated with imperfect produce will begin to fade, more products will make use of ingredients that would have otherwise gone to waste, and food waste will be repurposed in new ways, such as power sources. Time is an increasingly precious resource and our multi-tasking lifestyles are propelling a need for short-cut solutions that are still fresh, nutritious and customisable. In 2017, the time spent on – or saved by – a food or drink product will become a clear selling point, inspiring more products to directly communicate how long they will take to receive, prepare or consume. The increasingly hectic pace of modern life is creating a market for food and drink that helps people of all ages calm down before bedtime, sleep better and restore the body while they rest. Many lower-income consumers want to improve their diets but the access to – and the cost of – healthy food and drink is often an impediment. More campaigns and innovations are to be expected that will make it easier for lower-income consumers to fulfil their healthy ambitions.”