Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin releases top-five food trends for 2024

USA 15.12.2023

Source: The DairyNews

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin has unveiled a comprehensive report outlining the top-five food trends anticipated for 2024, with a notable emphasis on the pivotal role of cheese in shaping these behavioral shifts.

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin releases top-five food trends for 2024 — Source: freepik.com

Suzanne Fanning, Chief Marketing Officer for Wisconsin Cheese and Senior Vice President of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, stressed the significance of understanding consumer dynamics for successful businesses. Fanning highlighted the organization's commitment to constant inquiry, data analysis, and learning, revealing five prominent trends identified through extensive research, offering valuable insights into the landscape of 2024, spanning from the impact of connections to global health.

The 2024 Cheese Trends report delves into five key consumer behaviors:

Cultivating Connections: A pronounced emphasis on fostering meaningful relationships is emerging, with consumers valuing close ties with family, friends, and their community. Food is recognized as a powerful catalyst, bringing people together and creating significant moments.
Home Dining Dominance: Globally, there is a 30% surge in consumers opting to eat at home rather than dining out. This shift towards at-home culinary experiences underscores the importance of elevating home-cooked meals, with consumers finding joy in sourcing and serving high-quality ingredients.
Mindful Indulgence: A trend towards mindful indulgence is observed, as consumers increasingly seek sensory rewards. The enjoyment of small treats to enhance daily experiences is on the rise, with 44% of consumers' food and beverage choices being influenced by traditional or nostalgic flavors.
Global Health and Sustainability Focus: Growing consumer consciousness about ingredient sourcing, coupled with a preference for products disclosing farming or growing practices, underscores a heightened focus on global health and sustainability. Producers are encouraged to integrate sustainability initiatives into product marketing, with recycled and sustainable packaging choices playing a pivotal role in consumer decisions. Innovations such as bioplastics derived from dairy waste for biodegradable packaging are welcomed developments.
Adventure and Flavor Fusion: A resurgence of adventure and a flavor frenzy is observed as consumers embrace global culinary experiences. This trend is fueled by a growing interest in international flavors and unexpected blends, influenced in part by social media's impact on food-buying behaviors.