Sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha — tangy, bubbly fermented delights — are undergoing a renaissance as they are increasingly sought after by today’s health-conscious consumer.

These probiotic-packed foods and drinks have been consumed by specific cultures for centuries, and they are revered for their beneficial properties relating to digestion and overall gut health. With many studies revealing the link between the gut and our mental wellbeing, more consumers (especially influential millennials) are scooping up fermented goodies as part of their personal wellness regimens.

Gluten-free foods were once hard to find, but these days it is common to see a multitude of gluten-free products in your neighborhood grocery store.

When considering how to market a food product, many manufacturers are turning to social media to improve the visibility and desirability of their products in today’s competitive marketplace.

Revolution Foods is one company using its social media presence to drive their products to the next level. Social media star and reggae artist Macka B has featured Revolution Foods’ protein powders in his popular weekly video series, “Wha Me Eat Wednesday,” and as a result, has driven the products’ following to new heights.

While health-conscious eating is on the rise, few consumers have time to organize their lives around preparing and consuming healthy meals at specific times.

Consequently, food manufacturers are seeing an increase in the demand for snack foods that can present the same healthiness and nutritional value of complete meals, while also offering convenience, portion control and portability to their customers. As the boundary between snacking and dining shifts, the ways in which food companies are marketing snacks is also changing to accommodate a new generation of consumers. 

The announcement that Amazon is buying Whole Foods was arguably one of the biggest industry news stories to kick off summer 2017.

Many leading brands have already made the switch from traditional rigid containers to flexible pouches for their product packaging.

Some of the biggest advantages of using stand up pouches or barrier bags for products are a reduction in production costs and an increase in shipping or transportation efficiencies. Stand up pouches also help companies build their brand image and distinguish themselves in a crowded retail landscape full of competing products.

New developments are emerging every day in the world of sustainable packaging — from biodegradable containers to edible packages, brands are making great strides embracing innovative solutions that are good for the earth.

While we admire these numerous efforts, we also recognize that some of these alternatives to non-recyclable containers may not be the best options for preserving the freshness and safety of the food products inside. If the outer packaging is able to deteriorate and biodegrade, will it really work to best protect what’s inside of it for an extended period of time?

Donald Trump’s race to the White House has been filled with much discussion and debate from both sides — one of the most interesting hot topics involves his views on the future of the food industry.

Like it or not, we are in the midst of a marijuana renaissance. Consumers from all different walks of life now embrace what was once considered a drug that appealed to the stoner, hippie, or burnout archetype.

We now know the benefits of the plant are vast, ranging from pain relief to boosting appetite and lowering anxiety. Right now, marijuana is legalized throughout half of the United States as a medicinal product with tight regulations that vary by region. It is indeed legal for recreational purposes in several states as well, proving that it is quickly moving away from its controversial place in society and is being embraced by the majority. 

Today’s food companies are making great strides toward nurturing the health of our environment. From setting goals to reduce material waste, to adopting recyclable or compostable packaging, brands are making it easier for consumers to feel good about the products they purchase.

When we think of progressive food and beverage companies that utilize organic ingredients and speak to the eco-conscious consumer, generally smaller, local businesses come to mind. However, some of the leading food corporations are taking cues from the little guys and are making a significant positive impact on the world around us, starting with new campaigns that focus on strengthening our ecosystem.