Food industry trends for 2015

AUSPACK 2015 has just occurred and as usual during the various meetings and discussions, trends for the next year emerge.

According to these trends, Asia is the place to be for manufacturers and particularly those in the dairy industry. So even though this trend does not focus on packaging, many companies are now looking to develop, market and sell products into Asia. Australia has a reputation for quality and freshness, so it is now up to food companies here to find ways to get their product into this huge market.

Traceability has always been a key food safety and business issue, and some businesses have been using a process called serialisation to assist them with this. It ensures authentication of the product and it’s production date / time. It is starting to be used increasing and is one of the trends for this year and beyond.

With Aldi becoming a bigger player in the supermarket game in Australia and Costco now establishing a foothold in this country, supermarkets are wielding even more power. Food companies are seeming to agree to what the supermarkets say and want, and then work out how to do it afterwards. Supermarkets are looking like the boss and this is making food companies work harder and smarter to be part of it.

Henry Ford would be pleased as the continuing trend in food companies or all sizes, including very small, is to find ways to automate their processes to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Keep an eye out for a significant packaging trend in Europe – AR. Augmented Reality is a virtual layer added to food packaging which brings it to life, when used with a mobile phone or other device. It works really well on fun products and enhances the customer experience.

Of course the other big trend in packaging is sustainability. Packaging materials made from sustainable sources is increasing.

Written by Rachelle Williams, The Green Food Safety Coach.