In its inaugural food trends report for New Zealand, United Fresh has identified several upcoming trends for the 2019 year, largely surrounding the growing push by consumers toward healthy, fresh food.

According to the report, the days of meat and two vegetables for dinner is becoming a thing of the past, as Kiwis look at ways to create healthier, easier meals for themselves and their families.

One such trend is the rise of the ‘Flexitarian’ lifestyle – or one of reduced meat consumption.

“Look for more plant-based protein to appear in your supermarket aisle and in ready-meal options as this trend becomes mainstream,” the report reads.

These ready-meal options are to be here to stay, with consumers in 2019 expected to undergo smaller, more frequent shops with a focus on fresh ingredients and ready-to-eat options, such as frozen products and wholefood ‘good for you’ treats.

When this isn’t possible for a consumer, they are expected to continue to lean on food delivery options, with a growing demand on healthier alternatives.

“Millennial consumers are the key drivers in the delivery sector with new technology ensuring continued innovation to capture the attention of this smart, savvy but ultimately fickle market,” the report points out, noting that the aim is food that’s fast, fresh and fun.

“Primary producers are also seeing the value in the delivery market with everyone form local greengrocers to fruit orchardists joining the online revolution and supplying direct to consumers in major centres.”

Sustainability

United Food’s expects 2019 to be the year retailers and manufacturers are convinced to join the plastic-free revolution, with pressure mounting from consumers demanding supermarkets ditch plastic wrapped goods.

According to the Ministry of Environment, New Zealanders create around 2.5 million tonnes of waste to landfill, with about 252,000 tonnes of this being plastic, each year.

Kiwi supermarkets are expected to take a leaf from their UK counterparts, which have committed to ensuring all plastic packaging can be reused, recycled or composted by 2025.