Consumer Trend Tracker
In case you missed our November set of postcards here are the examples of new products
from around the world.
More information can be found at www.bordbia.ie/consumerlifestyletrends
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tom.collins@bordbia.ie
Sub-trend : Craftsmanship - A return to traditional processes for
producing wine, Spain
A return to traditional processes for producing wine, Spain
A group of winemakers known as the ’Crazy Gang’ are seeking
to change negative perceptions of Spanish wine in their native
country by conveying a message of quality and craftsmanship
in every bottle. The group’s mission is to rid Spain’s vineyards
of alien varieties of wine and return to forgotten slopes to
produce wines with natural character and fresh appeal.
Organic small-batch and handcrafted spirits, US
Koval, Chicago’s first boutique distillery since the days of
prohibition, produces handcrafted vodka, whiskey, brandy
and liqueurs entirely from scratch. From mashing to bottling,
the entire process is managed in-house and the spirits are
distilled in a custom-built still from Germany. The still's
elongated whiskey helmet allows a greater surface area for
the liquor to develop a full aroma and distinct flavour.
Consumers continue to take an interest in boutique, small-batch brands that can offer a unique
story about the way in which their products have been created. Many brands are returning to
techniques and skills that have been lost to mass-production in order to communicate a
compelling and authentic story about their products.
Sub-trend : Fair Treatment- Brewer adopts responsible farming,
UK/Mozambique
Brewer adopts responsible farming, UK/Mozambique
SABMiller has become the first brewer to produce
cassava lager, an alternative to barley-based beer. The
lager, available in Mozambique, is created from the
root of the cassava shrub, which is widely grown in
Africa and can be easily cultivated. The beer uses
locally-sourced raw materials, and offers opportunities
for subsistence farmers in the company’s value chains to generate an income sometimes
for the first time.
Mars prepares to launch Fairtrade Maltesers, UK
Mars has announced that it is to launch Fairtrade Maltesers
in summer 2012, as it seeks to ensure the long-term security
of its cocoa supply. The announcement follows its Rainforest
Alliance certification for Galaxy last year as part of its
commitment to using only certified cocoa by 2020.
Consumers continue to expect brands to demonstrate accountability throughout their supply
chains, and to act on commitments to improving the conditions of the people who contribute to
their products. Whilst increasing numbers of food and drink brands are turning to Fairtrade
certification to communicate a commitment to fair practice, others are rethinking product
materials and ingredients to better support the farmers they work with.
Sub-trend : Climate Conscious- Sustainable produce direct to
consumers’ doors
Food bikes to reduce carbon emissions, US
The rise of cyclist culture in combination with
the food truck explosion has led to a new
sustainable food enterprise in Los Angeles:
food bikes. Popcycle Treats sells organic,
locally sourced fruit freezer pops from a
scrap-built cargo bike with a freezer box
mounted on the front, and Greenleaf
Chopshop uses tricycles to make local deliveries. Not only do food bikes move easily through
busy traffic, but they don’t take up parking spaces, nor do they contribute to air pollution.
Sustainable products in monthly curated
boxes, US
blissmo was launched to help shoppers
discover products that are better and safer
for their bodies, communities and the
planet. The company sources items with “a
people and planet positive approach”,
offering them to consumers in a curated box for a monthly subscription. Products are
selected from a mix of established and up-and-coming brands based on factors ranging from
the product’s toxin levels to how sustainably the item has been produced.
Though many consumers continue to value brands’ environmental credentials, few are willing to
sacrifice time or quality for this benefit. As such, many brands are going the extra mile to deliver
an offer that combines convenience, high quality and sustainability, making it easier for
consumers to make climate conscious purchasing decisions.