shoppers will be more discerning in their budgets for organic, and low-in-come families are particularly strained in finding healthful food alternatives.
Farming is also becoming hip these days. Today, the USDA estimates the
average age of the American farmer is 57, with more than 25 percent over
age 65. However, while the trend is too new to quantify, USA Today reports
that there is an emerging movement in which young people are taking up
organic farming as an “honorable, important career choice.”
Health-driven food choices will continue to make headlines as Michelle
Obama leads the way with the White House organic garden. According to
Hoffman, Victory Gardens are back, except they’re organic. And it’s helping
people get in touch with their food, as well as giving them access to fresh,
local produce.
Additionally, consumers will be looking for humane treatment of animals
bred for food. This year, Whole Foods Market began requiring that all meat
sold to it will be rated under new animal welfare standards.
Consider what trends are impacting consumers these days when you walk
the aisles of upcoming trade shows so you can make buying decisions that
will inspire consumers. You can discover a world of specialty food products
at the Winter Fancy Food Show later this month – a sneak peek of these
products are on the pages that follow.
