Trends aren’t just a fashion expression, and developments in the food and beverage industry are never boring. Truebell Marketing and Trading LLC, a leading importer, wholesaler, distributor and exporter, has named the key trending products for 2020 in the UAE, a globally attuned food and beverage destination.
Here are the top food and drink fads the UAE-based company that was established in 1984 highlighted.
1. Healthy frozen foods
According to an industry report by Mordor Intelligence, there’s been a strong growth in the UAE’s frozen food sector, with the market expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 9.3 percent from 2019 to 2024. The most widely used products include healthy versions of ready meals, soups, fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry and seafood.
“Convenience and a growing millennial population are the key factors driving this growth in the region, with increasing disposable incomes and a rise in the number of women working also contributing,” Bhushant J. Gandhi, Truebell’s Divisional Manager for Retail & Food Service, said.
2. Asian cuisine
Dubai has a population of 3.1 million, which includes over 2.9 million expats. And 85 percent of these expats are Asian, mostly from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Philippines, the latest figures from Dubai Statistics Centre’s 2018 annual report show. In recent years, the emirate has witnessed a surge in the number of Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian and Korean expats.
“Asian cuisines – primarily Japanese, Chinese and Thai – have consistently been firm favourites among UAE nationals, residents and tourists alike,” Gandhi said.
3. Plant-based and vegan foods
There’s an impressive number of various nutritional programmes on the market today. And plant-based and vegan diets, as well as meat alternatives, are becoming particularly popular, making them key food trends for 2020 and beyond.
“Plant-based meat replacement products including seitan, tempeh and tofu are gaining traction across the region,” Gandhi noted.
4. Local and organic produce and collagen-rich and gluten-free foods and drinks
With society becoming more health conscious than ever before, an increasing number of consumers are interested in local and organic produce. And there’s increasing demand for probiotic supplements and drinks, as well as on-the-go collagen-rich drinks due to the multiple health benefits associated with this protein such as healthier skin, hair and nails. Gluten-free food and drinks or a combination of vegan and gluten-free options are having a moment too. Consumers are also on the lookout for eco-friendly, sustainable food products.
