Artificial intelligence, veganism and sustainable agriculture. According to Puratos‘s Taste tomorrow study, these are some of the trends which will dominate the bakery, chocolate, and pastry sector in 2024. The AI Trend Radar has used the latest data to analyze a report that was prepared from a survey conducted with 20,000 consumers in 50 countries.
Imagine the innovations that will come in the world of chocolate. What are the demands of consumers when they buy bread and pastries? What are the most popular pastry preparations? It’s all to the winners!
Three trends in pastry: AI, reinvented Classics, and Local Product
Experiences that inspire and delight with technology
The study shows that at the pastry level the ‘Tech Inspired’ movement will be one of the key forces shaping the sector by 2024. The study’s core is the integration cutting-edge technologies such as AI. This is driven by the consumers’ increasing appetite for unique dining experiences.
This transformation is particularly evident as consumers increasingly embrace online shopping. They are driving brick-and mortar bakeries to enhance their offerings and deliver exceptional, unforgettable experiences. The number of automated stores is up from 35% to 42%.
Innovation is based on what we already know
Consumers like to experiment with new foods but they are not willing to go too far in uncharted territory. The consumer is looking for innovation that has a familiar appearance, such as the croissant, in a surprising and new way. They want something exciting and familiar to eat. The classics are increasingly popular with consumers. 73% of them say they prefer to try new foods that have a familiar taste and texture.
Local authenticity
Foods that were imported from faraway places used to be regarded as exclusive and unique, but this has changed. At least 39% of consumers buy local food or foods made from local ingredients.
Transparency is important if you are looking to capitalize on this local trend. Two thirds of consumers want to know the origins of their food. Sustainability is another important factor. 70% of consumers believe that local food is better for the planet and 65% think it’s healthier.
Three trends in baking: healthy, natural, and vegetable
Foods of plant origin are preferred
Taste Tomorrow reports that 56% of consumers worldwide are interested in baked goods made from plant-based ingredients. Plant-based innovation is in high demand, particularly in South America (70%) and the Asia Pacific region (68%) as well as the Middle East (74%).
Plant-based ingredients are now incorporated into vegan solutions for their own sensory and gustatory qualities, not as a substitute or imitation. 52% of people think that products made from plant-based ingredients taste as good as those derived from animals.
The health benefits of sourdough
Whole wheat bread is a popular source of fiber, and 85% of consumers believe that it has a beneficial effect on digestion. The growing awareness about gut health has made consumers more knowledgeable about how their guts work and the ingredients that they should use. So, 7 of 10 people believe that biotics improve digestion.
The rise of sourdough is directly linked to this increased interest in gut-health. 62% of consumers view sourdough as healthy. This is a significant improvement compared to 52% in 2021.
Natural and organic
The trend towards natural and organic is also a growing one. In addition to preferring unprocessed products without artificial additives, 28% of consumers are willing pay more for these products. 71% of consumers would pay more for products that are made with natural ingredients.
Three chocolate trends: sustainable agriculture, veganism, and botanicals
Foods that make you feel good
Many people believe that chocolate is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. This is why 65% consumers worldwide look for food products that improve their mental health.
People who want more concentration, energy or a better mood opt for chocolates that contain botanical ingredients, such as leaves, flowers, seeds or stems from plants valued for their culinary, medicinal or aromatic properties. The reason is that 68% of respondents believe botanicals make chocolate healthier, a significant increase from the study in 2021. Even 73% of respondents believe that botanicals enhance the flavor of chocolate.
What is fair to farmers
The social impact of cocoa production is a hot topic. 65% of consumers are now looking for food that guarantees farmers a fair price or decent income. Similarly, 68% worldwide of consumers are interested in buying products made from sustainable agricultural practices.
Plant Based
Choosing vegan food generates pride among consumers because it reflects their social and health awareness.
