Consumer Trends – September/October 2022

TikTok Shop now sells fresh food in UK

Food content has clocked up over 26 billion views on TikTok, which has become the catalyst for some of the biggest viral food trends over the past year. Now, fresh food companies are able to sell their products via TikTok in the UK. From August, users have been able to purchase fresh food directly from brands like The Veg Box Company via TikTok Shop.

Brits say bye to “best before”

Consumers are asked to use their own judgement on what’s fresh enough as grocers adopt new measures to cut food waste. From September, Asda and Waitrose join the growing chorus of UK supermarkets, including Tesco and Marks & Spencer, removing best-before dates on many fresh foods. Asda will replace all dates with a code guiding staff on quality and freshness.

“Global Gateway will put another brick in the green wall, as a bulwark against food insecurity and climate change.” ― European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaking about the EU’s strategy for more sustainable infrastructure worldwide

Saudis see big future for dragon fruit

Often referred to as one of the world’s most expensive fruits, dragon fruit has been designated one of Saudi Arabia’s most promising crops. Its health and nutritional benefits, and low water need, have seen the tropical fruit included in the first phase of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiatives helping Saudi farmers diversify with lucrative products.

Fully compostable bags for salad kits

California’s Fair Earth Farms says it is the first in its category to package organic salad kits and salad blends in plant-based, fully-compostable bags, printed using water-based inks. The company says they meet consumer demand for  more sustainable optims amid Earth’s plastic crisis. The line has 4 salad greens blends and 2 salad kits: Superfood Crunch & Honey Coconut Cashew.