Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, a nonprofit representing the Wisconsin dairy industry, shared five 2024 trends predicted to make an impact in the evolving food industry. The forecast pays attention to how cheese plays a central role in supporting consumer behavior, shared the organization.
"The most successful businesses in the world are the ones that truly understand their consumers," said Suzanne Fanning, CMO for Wisconsin Cheese and SVP of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, in a statement. "What people care about and what drives them should always be top of mind for marketers. That's why we constantly ask questions, review data, and learn as much as possible.”
The 2024 Cheese Trends report highlights five distinct consumer behaviors, summarized below:
• Cultivating Connections—today's consumers value close relationships with family, friends, and their community, and food helps bring people together and create meaningful moments.
• Rise of Home Dining—there is a 30 percent increase globally in consumers eating at home versus eating out; with more people dining in, consumers are finding joy in sourcing and serving quality ingredients.
• Mindful Indulgence—consumers are increasingly seeking out sensory rewards; 44 percent of consumers' food and beverage choices are also most influenced by traditional or nostalgic flavors.
• Global Health and Sustainability—consumers are becoming more conscious of where they source ingredients and prefer products that disclose how they were farmed or grown; choosing recycled and sustainable packaging also plays a role in consumer decisions.
• Adventure and Flavor Frenzy—people are embracing the global cuisine experience; consumers are showing interest in international flavors and unexpected blends, driven by the influence of social media.
Related: Natural Grocers Predicts Trends; SFA's Trendspotters Prognosticate 2024 Trends