By Josephine Tan
Every chapter ends with a new beginning. Over the course of 2019, the food and beverage industry witnessed the power of consumer’s freedom of choice – from locally- and sustainably-sourced foods and minimising food waste, to healthy and mindful eating, plant-based alternatives, and not forgetting Instagram-able meals.
Each of these factors play a part in consumer’s mind prior to the purchasing decision on any food product, especially in developed countries where purchasing power is higher, and among the younger generation who have their lives all posted on social media and are more aware on climate and environmental issues.
Adding the cherry on top on consumer’s freedom of choice is personalization, which has already made its impact on consumer’s everyday life thanks to the advancement of technology. Pushing the boundaries in digital innovation, if the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is able to recommend a viewer what to watch on Netflix or YouTube, how can these AI algorithms contribute to the food and beverage industry?
Food is at the centre of everyone’s every day. Stepping into the first 2020 decade, the industry is expected to continue its journey through the wave of digital technology change. The food world will also pursue its endless search for new flavours and tastes, but keeping in mind the trends on cleaner living, sustainability and ultimately the overall health interest of the consumer.
In this new year, Food & Beverage Asia looks forward to bringing more insights and the latest updates happening in the food and beverage industry. Read the Dec 2019/Jan 2020 issue here!
Josephine Tan is editor for Food & Beverage Asia, a bi-monthly publication that brings the latest trends and developments in the food and beverage industry.
