There will be continued opportunity for brands to innovate in the year ahead, especially in the plant-based, premium, and health and wellness categories, according to research firm IRI, reports Food Dive. In addition, trends will also remain shaped by the “new normal” of consumer behavior during the pandemic, including more at-home cooking, the elevation of on-the-go convenience, and frictionless shopping.
IRI reports that though innovation stayed at a level pace in 2020, the number of line extensions fell 29 percent compared to the previous three-year average. This shift is also due to the pandemic as consumption remained mostly at home and shopping moved online. Full Story
Related: Nostalgic, Global Flavor Trends to Continue in 2021; Report: Most Shoppers Will Keep Some Pre-Pandemic Habits.