Trend Report Aotearoa 2023

30th October 2023

Trend Report Aotearoa 2023

As we head into the latter half of 2023, New Zealand's food scene continues to be influenced by availability, sustainability and affordability with health and budget conscious Kiwi making smart choices about buying locally grown, in-season produce.

There’s some good news for consumers with the latest food price index statistics reporting fruit and vegetable prices have dropped by almost 4 percent in September. This is partially influenced by good growing conditions which have positively affected the volume of supply.

In response to supply and demand, local food producers are looking for smart ways to feed our nation with more efficient and sustainable methods of food production, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

  • Zespri RubyRed™ Kiwifruit – Make your own fruit popsicles!

Zespri continues to innovate and redefine the kiwifruit experience with their culinary masterpiece – the vibrant Zespri RubyRed™ Kiwifruit variety.

Bursting with flavour and a striking hue, this recent addition to the kiwifruit family is set to revolutionise culinary adventures creating a conversation starter with its unique eye-catching colour and sweet, juicy, berry-like flavour.

Zespri RubyRed™ Kiwifruit contains antioxidants such as anthocyanins that are naturally occurring pigments within the fruit giving the fruit its red colour, and research has shown that anthocyanins can contribute to improved mood and wellbeing.

Available from March to late May, enjoy your berry affair into Autumn with this eye-catching, berry-sweet variety of kiwifruit. Amazing for the classic cheeseboard, decorative toppings for your summer salad or make your own popsicle – check out the recipe here.

  • How our youth will influence food choices

When looking at trends, it’s wise to look to the future. In this case, today’s youth will become 2050’s largest consumer group, shaping overall consumer choice and preference.

While today’s young people are primarily indulgence led, they also value food as medicine for physical and mental health and are more willing to accept and adopt new technologies. With this in mind, there’s an expected increase in demand for health-focused foods, as well as healthy alternatives to meat and dairy.

Environmental sustainability is also a top concern for adolescents, therefore a surge in demand for ethical and health-centric food options, alongside continued emphasis on value, quality and taste is also expected to be a priority in the future.

  • The robo revolution is changing the way we produce our food

Like something out of a sci-fi movie, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making a big impact on food production, revolutionising the way everyday tasks are undertaken. With AI, farmers and horticulturists can use vast amounts of data in real time to make smarter choices about production efficiency, enhancing both yield and sustainability practices.

This is not only good for the environment, but also for fruit lovers. New Zealand-based company Global Pac Technologies has been using cutting-edge AI technology in their apple production, to make smart decisions about efficient packaging, which has successfully resulted in a 40 percent increase in packing speeds.

Experts predict that AI will become increasingly common in horticulture, which helps to address the challenges of feeding a growing population in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

  • Kiwis love avocado toast but are we ready for smashed peas?

Peas could be set to be the next trend-setter on the brunch scene - both in restaurants and at home.

According to proper etiquette, the correct way to eat cooked peas is to squash them with the back of your fork, so say hello to smashed peas on toast! This trend is making waves on restaurant menus overseas and being talked about here.

Packed with a variety of nutrients, peas are an excellent source of dietary fibre and provide protein while offering a sweet, nutritional substitute in creative mouth-watering dishes. Sourcing locally grown also means peas are good for the planet.

So, for a fresh take on a classic, peas are the way to go, offering a sustainable and scrumptious twist for the trendsetting palate.

  • Value seekers looking for good options across the aisles

In the same survey, Foodstuffs found that with the cost of living as a high priority, two out of five customers are switching to supermarket own brands.

With this change in shopping habits, customers are looking for great tasting food options, but also for more affordable options that help make the budget stretch further.

Home brands offer a wider range of products and value for money that can conveniently feed the whole whānau.


Research:
United Fresh New Zealand Consumer Trends Report conducted by NielsenIQ, June 2021