Food Trend Forecast: Worldly Flavors

How do you prepare for the onslaught of a trendy new recipe?

I remember a conversation I had with a retailer who said back in the day he only had to worry about the recipe of the week in the Sunday paper’s Parade Magazine. Consumers would see something new and exciting, and come to their grocer on Monday with a list of unusual ingredients.

It could be nerve-wracking not knowing what’s coming, he said, but it’s nothing compared to the impact of social media on our shopping lists today.

Nowadays, most shoppers have no idea what a Parade Magazine is, much less a paper ad. They’re bombarded with recipes on Instagram, Facebook, TV, Blogs, Podcasts…more media than even I’m following.

I got to talking with Amanda Keefer, managing director for Orlando-based Produce for Kids about the organization’s methods for tracking produce trends. PFK does a fantastic job staying ahead of what busy families are looking for from the fresh produce industry, and in turn, their local grocer.

PFK also partners with retailers and brands alike to promote fresh produce consumption, so we thought it’d be a great idea to share a little bit of that knowledge so retailers can stay ahead of the next big trend.

In the first installment of our trend forecast, we cover “Worldly Flavors,” and how to translate that inspiration to what a consumer can find at their local supermarket.

Summer also is on the horizon, and many consumers are looking for “no-cook” meal inspiration to keep things cool in the kitchen.

Amanda and I talk about this trend, and more.

Check it out:

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