This year's food trends precisely follow the changing dynamic of society. Today's consumer has more information at their finger tips than ever in the history of... everything. At the same time, the global economy and a renewed emphasis on everything "green" has birthed a movement towards everything local. Yesterday it was all about the vastness of the World Wide Web and today it is all about local.
The current plethora of over stimulation and overwhelming access to information has brought about the personalization of resources. It's not about the East Coast or the West Coast or the big city; it's about my town, my neighborhood, my neighbors, my desires, and my food.
There is a growing trend away from processed foods and imported proteins. The sudden rise in popularity of local farmers markets, food co-ops, and smaller whole food grocery stores are indicative of the current trend towards local. Consumers are not only shopping for locally produced fresh food for home cooking; they are also looking for restaurants that use locally grown or raised organic foods. People want unlimited choice while still feeling socially responsible.
Their choices are influenced by technology's ability to personalize their lives and their health. In other words... there's an app for that. Soon people will be able to use their personal computers, smart phones, and 4G tablets to tabulate their consumption of various foods as they pertain to their individualized nutrition and exercise programs.
In a way, it's a movement back to the days of home gardens, neighborhood bakeries and butcher shops, locally owned restaurants, home canning, pickling, preserving, and good ol' home style eating.
And still, society has changed. The economy and career shifting has more men than ever staying at home putting on the apron and they want to get it right. It's not a chore; it's a competition. If there is any doubt, "feel" the shift from Julia Childs to the Iron Chef.
Yet another prevailing trend is back to comfort food. Life is unpredictable and vicarious. People want to be healthy; but, at the same time, they want the decadent dark chocolate and the creamy fettuccine Alfredo, within reason of course. There is an emotional transference from the hardships and chaos of daily life and that quite moment when your favorite food melts over your tongue. Individual comfort food isn't reserved for the traditional, but it also includes a desire for the exotic and unique.
While some of these trends seem to be in conflict there is one simple truth; it's all about "me." Restaurants and food preparers need to be as flexible as the tastes of the individual consumer. The traditional menu is on its way out and personalized plates are on their way in. Producers have to be flexible and specialized at the same time.
What's on the horizon for future trends? The synergistic partnership between foods and durable products in personalized advertising. Soon face recognition will simultaneously order your specific espresso blend as you enter the coffee shop and/or upload a shopping list specific to your buying habits and home inventory as well as relevant savings coupons and even time saving store navigation to your pad or tablet. It's about appealing to the individual; not to the masses.
