Over the last few years, Journey Foods' staff has produced hundreds of newsletters with an eye toward industry, science, and culture. Over 8,200 members chime in today to offer a creative interpretation of foodtech, food manufacturing, and culture.
I have reconsidered our research and insight distribution approach. We underserved this great market among others; LinkedIn is excellent for relationship building, sales, and smart back and forth. More than that, though, I have always worked within silos among media with differing audiences. Food CPG, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and research all lack a balanced approach that connects technical and creative spheres. Today, I want to make sure our strategy—along with my interests—find a more public feedback loop and still honor our OG subscribers from Journey Foods outlets, subscription channels, and from my own channels.
Welcome to my LinkedIn newsletter. You will find more in depth and technical thoughts for Journey Foods across our channels across medium.com, here on LinkedIn, journeyfoods.io, Youtube.com and more. Thank you for your commentary in advance.
Read below for the First Linkedin Edition of "The Pie":
Last week, I was invited to attend the The Wall Street Journal 's Future of Food Forum in Chicago. The conference was packed with CEOs from big food from the public and VC heavy side. One thing that I noticed is that the room lacked: Gen Z, marketers, influencers, and diversity. I've always been a proponent of investment in minority farming here in the US through an economic preceding a restorative justice lens - so I thought the time was right to discuss this and as well as AI in the future of food. Read a part of my conversation and question with Samantha Power during her interview. I think there is a tremendous opportunity to invest in minority and women farmers in Canada, Mexico, and USA for the reduction of global commodities prices. What are your thoughts on this?
Check below for more on science trends in personalized food, grocery wars, WNBA snack culture, and some upcoming 2024-25 trends we will be highlighting this summer.
Riana and the Journey Team
Science
There is more health and devices that will merge with food companies and food intake. Here is a key example: Abbott has received FDA clearance for two new over-the-counter continuous glucose monitors.
- Libre Rio: Slated for individuals with Type 2 diabetes who are managing their condition through lifestyle changes.
- Lingo: Designed for health-conscious consumers who want personalized insights into their metabolic health.
Wildly popular books like Glucose Revolution and TikTok / YouTube trends will continue to spur consumer glucose fascination, and a tide of change in the industry. Namely, in labeling, recipe formulations, and Ozempic-influenced diet changes.
Due to its appetite-suppressing effects, Ozempic has inadvertently contributed to increased meat consumption (more coming on this). This medication's ability to reduce bad cravings often leads individuals to consume more protein-rich foods like meat, highlighting a notable uptick in meat consumption as a "consequence".
Grocery Wars
- Why Costco Wholesale is so Loved: Costco's commitment to value, exemplified by its unchanged $1.50 hot-dog-and-drink combo, has earned immense customer loyalty and impressive stock growth over four decades. Source Article
- ALDI USA 's American Conquest: Aldi is poised to become a dominant player in the U.S. supermarket landscape, leveraging its efficient, low-cost model. I posted a grocery haul that I discovered and posted in /povertyfinance on Reddit. It actually had a mini-viral moment. There are many subcultures in nutrition, finance, and health channels on Reddit that are extremely real and insightful - it's a quality data haul and fun time. One thing that I've noticed from my own experience and through tracking mentions, is that Aldi is an underdog but they have more organic than expected and there's a growing brand opportunity that the team over there can latch onto if they invest right in the coming months and years. Thoughts? Source Article
- Trader Joe's vs. Whole Foods: These two retailers offer lessons in building lasting businesses through unique retail approaches, with a focus on community and customer service. Whose model will outpace expectation with the community? Source Article
Culture
Reese's Pieces! Now this will be a GenZ hit! Right now, Hershey's Brand star, Reese's, is worth close to $5 billion and continues to be an economic powerhouse for the company. I smell more opportunity -- perhaps a Barbz or Chicago themed chocolate trend.
Upcoming
- Curating Comedy in Food: What will break through this election year?
- TikTok and Influencer Examples: How social media will massively influence food trends.
Trends
Here is the revised summary with the trends I am going to highlight in the next two newsletters:
Top 10 Disruptive FoodTech Trends in 2024-25
1. AI in Supply Chain: AI optimizes supply chains, enhances traceability, and improves food safety, cost savings, reducing waste and costs brought out by companies like Journey Foods.
2. Alternative Sea-Based Proteins: Innovations in algae and kelp farming and investments in whole food creative recipes (textured fruit that mocks fish) offer sustainable seafood options.
3. Upcycled Foods: Companies turn food production by-products into nutritious snacks, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
4. Vertical Farming: Controlled indoor farming reduces environmental impact and enables year-round crop production.
5. Personalized Nutrition: Genomics and AI provide customized dietary recommendations for better health outcomes.
6. Food Waste Reduction Technologies: Smart packaging and apps reduce food waste by connecting surplus food to those in need.
7. Insect Revolution: The great embrace by America and Europe will shift tides in investment and marketing.
8. Blockchain for Food Traceability: Enhances transparency and authenticity in the food industry.
9. Smart Kitchens: AI-powered appliances make home cooking more efficient and user-friendly.
10. Plant-Based and Cultured Meat: Once companies remove inflammatory ingredients - and partner with creative chefs to explore cleaner formulations - there will be another wave of innovations in sustainable and indigenous protein sources that mimic traditional meat for health-conscious consumers.
Thank you.
Stay tuned for more in-depth thoughts in July!
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