FreshDirect, based in Bronx, N.Y., released its picks for 2023’s top food trends by leveraging the company’s 20 years in online grocery delivery of fresh food.
The company’s food and beverage specialists curated the annual list, which forecasts up-and-coming products, ingredients and influences, according to a news release.
“Our extensive and long-standing relationships with farmers, fishermen, artisans and producers, combined with our proprietary data systems, enable us to determine the next wave of industry innovation and the latest in customer interests and needs,” Chief Merchandising Officer Scott Crawford said in the release. “2023 will usher in a new year of online grocery trends that underscores the ever-growing need for convenience, value and most of all, the best in fresh quality.”
Launched in 2002, FreshDirect provides service to the greater New York tri-state area and is part of the Ahold Delhaize family of companies.
Keep an eye out next year for these five trends:
Just do it … yourself
Social media has increased the popularity of do-it-yourself items such as butter boards, leading to artistically decorated breakfast and dessert boards. Grazing is back, as people return to hosting parties and larger gatherings again, and they want to impress their friends with easy-to-assemble items and cocktails that look just as good as they taste.
A nod to nostalgia
Novelty treats will fill up baskets as shoppers indulge in some of their favorites from “back in the day.” What’s old is new again.
Loyalty to local
Buying locally sourced products helps consumers feel connected to their food. Supporting local economies, better freshness, longer shelf life and discovering unique products with regional flair and flavor are some of the reasons consumers prefer to buy local. FreshDirect has been part of New York food culture for two decades and takes pride in being a homegrown brand that supports local farmers, growers and food manufacturers, whether they are just starting out or are established local favorites.
The conscious and caring consumer
Shoppers want more transparency and are interested in buying from values-based, mission-driven brands. This trend is reflected in their baskets. Popular brands and products include Bowery Farming’s pesticide-free crispy leaf lettuce. By supporting such brands, people are building community through food. FreshDirect’s approach to selecting its vendor partners and product offerings prioritizes sustainable sourcing.
Lots of love for private labels
Value-seeking customers will continue to gravitate toward private brands, such as Nature’s Promise, in both shelf-stable and fresh categories, because of quality and value. Products include packaged greens and other food. FreshDirect will regularly expand the number of stock-keeping units.
