All around the world consumers become more conscious about several aspects of sustainability: personal health, environmental concerns, animal welfare and more. People reflect on their personal impact and try to find ways to do things differently, especially on their food intake. For instance, more and more consumers are considering locally produced foods, driven by a desire to unearth local culinary gems, shop seasonal crops, and support and connect with local producers.

With a personal commitment to ‘do better’, they look for food products with simple and transparent labels, value natural alternatives and attach importance to how their food favourites are manufactured, representing lower carbon footprints by using locally sourced ingredients. Pair that with the growing zero-waste mindset, and it’s clear that culinary creativity is booming and blooming. Repurposing broth vegetables in a sumptuous local paté specialty? It’s definitely happening.

Several studies back up this trend. According to GlobalData (2022), 56% of European consumers agree that supporting their local community is important to them. 44% of German Gen Z consumers express interest in processed meat products that are produced in an ethical way – respectful of animal welfare standards or representing a lower carbon footprint, for example (Mintel, 2022).

Natural and clean foods, zero-waste artistry, responsible production… For food manufacturers, they present multiple opportunities. Working with a food solutions partner that has the global scale and perspective, but the ability to operate proximate and local is the gateway to revitalizing manufacturers’ innovation programs.

Ever considered innovative ways to give leftover ingredients a second life – perhaps in a whole new food concept? Ever considered replacing that imported seasoning with a locally assembled blend? Such conscious thinking doesn’t just create amazing food. It helps you to move along with the circular economy.

Excited by all the possibilities? Solina’s TOMORROW trends programme unveils all the relevant market data and consumer insights you need to figure out how the food trends of today influence the food products you’ll create tomorrow.

But we don’t just talk; we also get down to business. Our pivotal position in the farm-to-fork value chain enables us to make ‘international localism’ real and exceptionally flavourful. Sourcing the best of what nature has to offer, combined with our technical knowledge and culinary creativity, gives us all the necessary expertise to make food matter. Food that is tastier, healthier, and more sustainable in general. Food that matters for people and the planet.