Top 7 food and beverage trends for 2022. and how to apply them

The pandemics irreversibly changed people’s behaviour. Consumers' demands from the food and beverage industry today, and probably in 2022. onwards, are vastly different from those in pre-pandemics period. New habits and needs have been formed, as well as expectations in the food and beverage segment. These are some of the major trends that will shape the food and beverage industry in the coming 2022 year.

1) Bigger, better breakfast Working from home has caused a number of changes in people’s habits, and one of the bigger ones is a different approach to grocery shopping. Even after the return of life to some kind of normality, people still have the habit of having a rich breakfast. In particular, during the first lockdown, there was an increase in egg consumption by as much as 68% compared to the year before, bacon sales increased by 21% and bakery products by 25%. Tip: In keeping with this trend, seriously consider introducing breakfast or enriching an existing one

2) Mushrooms Diverse mushrooms are not new in the superfood category, but next year their cult status will reach the masses. Not only is classic mushroom consumption on the rise, but mushrooms can now be found in the most unexpected places: from powdered mushrooms used as a powerful spice to meat dishes to for example the Lion Mane mushroom which contributes to functional benefits if added to beverages. Tip: Let your chef pay special attention to the mushrooms on the menu

3) Cocktails in a bottle

Practical, cheap and delicious - it's hard to find a flaw in ready-made premium cocktails. Whether sold in cans ready for consumption or larger bottles, ready-made cocktails have not had the former stigma of low-quality and trashy drinks for some time, mostly because the manufacturers have made an effort to give them premium quality.

Tip: Ready-to drink cocktails in bottles are a great gift for loyal guests

4) Nostalgic desserts The allure of retro food does not subside, in the 2022. people will turn to nostalgic recipes when they want ‘comfort food’. The younger generations even lead the way with themed videos on TikTok. Internet search engines are massively (171%) recording an increase in searches for old recipes for desserts. Tip: Introduce at least two grandma's recipes among desserts, they can have your signature, but let them exude nostalgia

5) Tastes of Japan There has been a general increase in interest in international cuisines since the pandemic began, but a special increase in interest in Japanese before and following the Olympics in Tokyo. Compared to 2019, interest in Umami increased by 17% while sales of suhi increased by 54%. People are also increasingly interested in trying to make their own sushi as sales of sushi mats increased by 57% and nori algae by 56%. Experts noted the growing popularity of yuzu, citrus from Japan, Korea and China. It can be found in an increasing number of products, from vinegar, hard seltzers to mayonnaise. In 2022, it is predicted to shine even more. Tip: You don't have to own a sushi bar or a Japanese restaurant to keep up with this trend, let your chef play with yuzu in some dishes

6) Potato milk One of the trends mentioned in just about every list for 2022. is definitely potato milk. It should introduce major changes in the vegan milk alternatives market. Experts point out its advantages when it comes to sustainability, but also its creamy, rich taste. The fact is that oat and almond milk have already conquered the market so it is not hard to believe that the trend of vegetable milks will develop and gain in popularity. Tip: Stock on it and offer it as an option with breakfast and instead of the classic milk with coffee.

7) CBD

The CBD (Cannabidiol) product market has already flourished. During past two years mostly thanks to the growing interest in healthy eating and the benefits of CBD when it comes to mental health and wellness. However, CBD products are now being expanded from niche cosmetics and health food stores to beverages and food products. For example, Cannas, a premium CBD-based drink, is already growing in sales.

Tip: introduce Cannas to your drink list, and maybe your pastry chef can spice up a dessert with CBD