Prediction of more nights in and comfort eating we’re afraid to say. But on the plus side, there’s a chance you might take up mushroom picking to burn up some of those extra calories!
Here’s the top ten predictions for 2012:
1. Regional products to get a boost
Provenance and ‘localness’ will be very important next year. Linked to the sustainability benefits of ‘going local’ and reducing the environmental footprint be more important than ever. However, organic and ethical food choices are set to decline.
2. Mood enhancing food and drink on the rise
With more and more links between nutrition and depression being made, Food & Drink Towers predict that more people will be reaching for chocolate and comfort food. Cases of depression are on the increase too, with financial insecurity being a lead stress factor, a cheap and cheerful mood booster could help with a serotonin hit!
3. Packaging gets a makeover
As costs are being cut across the food and drink industry, packaging might get a little shaved down! Of course, that gets a huge thumbs up for being environmentally-friendly!
4. Grow, bake and make your own
How much influence do cookery programmes such as Masterchef and Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers have on consumer shopping habits in general? According to a Food & Drink Towers survey, 23 per cent say they’re hugely influential! Aprons at the ready!
5. Get foraging for truffles, mushrooms, wild berries and edible mini-beasts
Courses are available nationwide teaching people how to forage, what to look for, and then turning their discoveries into three-course meals. This is the ultimate in foodie heaven for those who enjoy getting stuck in!
6. Staying in is the new going out!
People will invest a little more time and effort (but not necessarily money) into meal times on a more regular basis to cheer themselves up, entertain and add some fun to ‘just another working week’. Original recipes and unusual ingredients will be the focus for home-cooks who will be influenced by television programmes, foodie magazines, websites, social networks such as Twitter and Facebook and Smartphone apps.
7. Dusting off the recipe books and cooking from scratch
Food & Drink Towers forecasts 2012 will be known as ‘the year of austerity’. As a nation we’ve spent a ridiculous fortune on recipe books over the years, many of which have been left on the shelves to gather dust. In 2012, people are expected to return to their cookery books (and other resources) to get a return on their investment, get more out of their kitchen gadgets and get more creative with their cooking.
8. Food on the go gets a facelift
As impulse sales are forecast to continue to rise in 2012 brands must work harder for their share of the grab and go market. Convenience will remain a priority, but health is also becoming an influential factor. People are looking for quick fixes for specific lifestyle issues such as fatigue and concentration. People are also looking to top up their vitamin, mineral, antioxidant and omega-3 intake in a convenient format.
9. Megatrends…on a budget
The Food & Drink Towers survey showed that nearly half of people surveyed (47 per cent) were looking for health foods but on a budget.
10. Quirky food duos to take over
Companies such as French Bubbles operate Champagne pairing events, matching bubbly with sushi, chocolate and cheese. While restaurants are showing greater interest in providing wine, beer, cocktail and spirit matches to certain items on their menus.