Food Business News - January 4, 2022 - 9

ago, with snacking occasions accounting
for 48% of all food and beverage occasions,
according to data from The Hartman
Group. Appealing to snackers across
generations is a focus for Nestle in 2022.
" We're seeing this convergence in
terms of people snacking more throughout
the day while also being interested in additional
trends, like health and
wellness, " Ms. Enciso said.
Nestle USA in October
introduced Rallies Nut
Butter Bombs. The refrigerated
snack comes in brownie
almond butter and salted
cashew butter varieties, with
a raspberry peanut butter
variety set to launch soon.
The products contain approximately
half the added sugar
as the leading nut butter
chocolate candy, according to
the company.
" The nut butter bombs
deliver an amazing taste,
and at the same time, the
permissibility that you expect
from a healthier offering, " Ms. Enciso
said. " We're also seeing more plant-based
snacks. For example, we're launching our
Life Cuisine Cauliflower Bites, which are
NESTLE USA
sort of like chicken wings that are made
out of cauliflower. "
Plant-based preferences
When it comes to younger consumers'
growing desire for plant-based diets,
dairy-free coffee creamer is one area
refrigerated creamers last year.
" We started with almond and
cashew, but that is continuing to evolve
into new plants, " Ms. Enciso said. " Plantbased
is here to stay because of Gen Z.
We're just starting to see their impact,
and they'll definitely drive sustainability
in the coming years. "
Plant-based
'We're also seeing
more plant-based
snacks. For example,
we're launching
our Life Cuisine
Cauliflower Bites,
which are sort of
like chicken wings
that are made out of
cauliflower.'
- Alicia Enciso,
Nestle USA
chicken is another
area of focus for 2022.
Ms. Enciso pointed to
Mindful Chik'n strips,
which launched in 2019
under the Sweet Earth
Foods brand. The company
last year expanded
its meat-free chicken
offerings with a shredded
version of Mindful
Chik'n in seasoned,
chipotle and Korean
BBQ varieties.
" Here in the United
States, chicken is much
bigger than beef, " Ms.
Enciso said. " We've
of focus. This spring saw the introduction
of oat milk creamers under the
Coffee Mate brand, which followed the
launch of non-dairy Starbucks-branded
Mondelez: Social responsibility,
automation impact foodservice
Some consumers will continue to
seek brands that align with their personal
values and beliefs. In order to set
themselves apart, operators will need to
find ways to connect to these customers.
Social responsibility issues Mondelez
sees resonating with consumers include
reducing food waste, ethical sourcing and
social justice.
EAST HANOVER, NJ. - Mondelez International,
Inc. sees six trends impacting
the foodservice category in 2022. Most
notably, social responsibility initiatives
and more automation will make their
way onto menus and into stores in the
coming year, according to the company.
January 4, 2022
The challenge of finding and retaining
labor will push foodservice operators
increasingly to adopt more automation,
according to Mondelez. While efficiency
of operations is the main goal, automation
also may make its way to menus with artificial
intelligence applications that make
suggestions to consumers.
Four other trends identified include
new takes on comfort food, expansion
of grab-and-go concepts, entertainment
and further growth of plant-based
heard so much about the different burger
patties, but the transformation of chicken
will be much larger because Americans
love chicken even more. " FBN
Consumers will
seek more graband-go
items and
" eatertainment. "
MONDELEZ INTERNATIONAL
applications. Comfort food will remain
in high demand in 2022, and diners will
gravitate toward new versions of classic
dishes, Mondelez said.
With eating at home remaining a
dominant market trend, it's important for
non-commercial foodservice operators
to expand their range of grab-and-go
offerings, according to Mondelez. For
those consumers looking to dine in, it's
important to consider the experiential
side of menus and premises. Mondelez
predicts more " eatertainment " venues and
offerings will emerge in the coming year.
Finally, Mondelez sees the growth of
plant-based meat and dairy alternatives
continuing in the foodservice category.
The company pointed to younger consumers
as a driver, with nearly half of Gen Z
consumers saying they are willing to try
plant-based meat. FBN
Food Business News
9
©MIRKO VITALI - STOCK.ADOBE.COM
Food Business News - January 4, 2022

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