With the last two years proving to be some of the most extraordinary in recent history and things continuing to look unsettled into 2022, Paul Hargreaves, CEO of fine food distributor Cotswold Fayre, takes a look at what he thinks will be next year’s must stock food and drink items and future shopper trends.
Planet
There is no doubt that sustainability has become much more than a rather vague buzz word, particularly over the past couple of years. And if retailers aren’t evidently demonstrating what they are doing to protect our planet, then consumers will vote with their feet, Hargreaves said.
“I think that retailers will look to up their ante over the next 12 months to become more environmentally sound.
Activities like working with local foodbanks to upcycle food that would otherwise go to waste, to help the local community will increase. As will consumers looking to bring their own reusable containers to buy from an expanded pick & mix display with rice, nuts, and other suitable dry goods.”
It is likely that carbon labelling will become more important. Some manufacturers are already declaring carbon neutrality and consumers will start to want to know more about the carbon impact of the food they are eating,” he said, adding that the demand for products made by Certified B Corporations, a fast-growing signpost to companies that are demonstrating a commitment to using business as a force for good, is also growing.
Profit
All products that enable a reductarianism or omnivore diet will continue to do well, pointed out Hargreaves.
A recent report by The Vegan Society and BOSH! revealed that 28 per cent of those surveyed have cut back or removed meat completely from their diet and 19 per cent have removed or cut down on dairy.
As consumers eat less meat and milk-based products, they will become more curious about and confident in plant-based products and more adventurous in their baking and cooking, he said.
“Lab grown meat is here but remains very expensive. I believe that the price will need to come down before this becomes mainstream. There is a heightened awareness surrounding health, and the role that food and drink can play when looking for ways to develop a healthier physical and mental lifestyle.
“I expect that products that help gut health, anxiety or sleep will do well in 2022. CBD or adaptogens such as magnesium and zinc that are understood to help bodies improve their natural resistance to stress will also do well,” he said.
And it is clear that a hybrid of office and home working is here to stay, so “we can expect to see more lunchtime challenger products to the traditional sandwich, as people are able look for variety to eat at home”.
People
“We continue to see growth in convenience stores ordering premium treats and in particular products that aren’t readily available in the major supermarkets, demonstrating a continued demand for people who shopped local at the start of the pandemic and as yet haven’t changed this habit,” Hargreaves said, adding that when times are tough, people seek “small luxuries” such as confectionery, patisserie and chocolate products, acting as comforting treats at home.
“I think that local shopping will continue to grow but at a lower rate than the last two years. Consumers are enjoying the better service and social connection of shopping with specialists such as butchers, cheesemongers, and greengrocers and this cannot be replicated online,” he said.
The meteoric growth of quick commerce, within cities will become an increasing force to be reckoned with.
If convenience stores haven’t already, there is a clear opportunity to offer a local on demand delivery service to attract custom from the younger, digitally always on shopper, as per Cotswold Fayre CEO.
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