The same technology and know-how that has transformed the almond industry is now enabling Bühler to win customers and loyal advocates among the Golden State’s foremost walnut processors, with Sacramento Valley Walnut Growers (SVWG) being a prime example.
Serendipity is a wonderful phenomenon. Flash back to 2004. The gluten-free diet trend was just hitting the U.S. market with sudden force. Over the next several years, gluten-free would grow at an annual rate approaching 30 percent, forever leaving its imprint on the food industry.
There's a reason why better-for-you is trending and "perfect-for-you" isn't. According to the August 2018 "U.S. Better for You Eating Trends" market report from Mintel, just 7 percent of consumers say they're strict with themselves to make sure their diet is as healthy as possible, and just three in 10 say they maintain a healthy diet most of the time.
Nuts and seeds are growing in popularity due to an increase in healthy snacking and consumer interest in plant-based products. According to Innova Market Insights, 7 in 10 U.S. consumers sought healthier snacking options in 2018.
According to the "Top 10 Trend Predictions for 2019" from SPINS, Chicago, internationally inspired innovation in nuts and seeds is gaining ground. SPINS says that nuts and seeds are watch-worthy because they're not only protein-rich and easy to eat, but they deliver antioxidants and long-lasting energy.
Trends in snack mixes and nuts are constantly changing, but many also remain the same, as consumers are constantly searching for better-for-you snacks and the next "big thing."
For a culture focused on convenience and clean-label nutrition, bars continue to deliver. Sales of snack and granola bars on the whole have grown 2.9 percent during the 52 weeks ending October 7, 2018, according to data from IRI, Chicago, hitting a value of $6.2 billion.
This Bar Saves Lives, led by actors Ryan Devlin, Todd Grinnell, Ravi Patel and Kristen Bell, has a mission of helping alleviate hunger in developing countries.
While many snack categories find themselves reassessing and reformulating amidst healthy eating trends, the snack and nut mix category benefits from being seen as an intrinsically healthy choice.