Cheese products are being offered in new and dynamic forms
Implications - Whether sweet or savory, and ranging across various types, cheese is being offered in entirely unique formats across markets. This shift comes as consumers continue to seek novelty when it comes to food related items, whether that novelty translates to social media or caters to experimental, self-proclaimed "foodies." As small brands in the food industry must necessarily differentiate themselves to compete with their more powerful competitors, combining quality with unfamiliarity serves to ensure they remain one step ahead in creativity, if not visibility.
Workshop Question - How can your brand find a small way to adopt the faster-moving and creative production processes of smaller brands?
Trend Themes
1. Novelty in Food - Consumers are seeking unique formats and tastes when it comes to food, driving innovation in the food industry.
2. Cross-industry Blending - The melding of different industries, such as food and skincare or dairy and additive manufacturing, is resulting in new product categories.
3. Dairy Product Crossovers - Dairy products are being combined in unconventional ways, such as ice cream blended with cheese or tea drinks topped with cream cheese.
Industry Implications
1. Food - The food industry is being disrupted by the introduction of novel formats and flavors, as small brands seek to differentiate themselves.
2. Skincare - Cross-industry blending has led to the development of cheese-based firming lotions, which provide alternative solutions for consumers seeking affordable and organic skincare options.
3. Additive Manufacturing - The use of 3D printing technology in the dairy industry is allowing companies to experiment with unique formats and shapes for cheese products.
