Lets think outside the box

The Waitrose 2021 Food & Drink report is out, and it offers some interesting opportunities to those of us who are brave enough to think outside the box. Here’s a few predictions they say we’ll see next year:

A move to creative cooking

Being adventurous with flavours, formats and cooking techniques next year is absolutely guaranteed. TikTok and other social channels are inspiring would be chefs to be creative in the kitchen and this won’t stop any time soon.

So, how can agriculture push their products front of mind? By joining in and getting creative, showcasing new dishes and flavour combinations and inspiring with new menu choices, then getting social!

A spotlight on carbon footprint

According to the survey, nearly 70% of shoppers said the carbon footprint of their food was important and more than 85% are now making more sustainable life choices, be that shopping local, reducing meat intake or buying plastic-free.

This is an area many Jax clients are putting additional emphasis into, both to meet their responsibilities but also to open up discussions and collaborate effectively throughout the supply chain. Huge steps are being made forwards and this will be a key topic to keep communicating about in 2022.

The Big Breakfast

More home working and less commuting means breakfast will see more focus and span a longer timeframe. Apparently we’ve been eating eggs 68% more times than in the previous year, so how else can we use them to fulfil the breakfast feast? Think Shakshuka from the Middle East, Eggs Benedict from the US and Menemen from Turkey.

Introducing potato milk!

You read it correctly! Low in sugar and saturated fat, apparently we’ll see it dominating coffee shop menus in the coming months.

A higher profile for Umami

One of the five basic tastes – along with sweet, bitter, salty and sour – umami is described as savoury and characteristic of broths and cooked meats. It’s gaining a higher flavour profile in our menu choices and will undoubtedly influence product development in 2022.

We’re here to help you think outside the box, just drop us a line and let’s talk.

View the full Waitrose Food & Drink 2021 report here.