Predictions for the Food Industry in 2022
Here’s what to expect in the food industry in 2022.
I will start off by stating the obvious, that I am not a business analyst. I do, however, stay connected with the food industry as this is an area I work with as a food photographer.
Read on to find out my 2022 predictions …
Technology is accelerating
I visited an Amazon Fresh store the other day as there is one fairly local to me, and I haven’t been in. It’s a weird experience let me tell you. You walk into the shop, scan with your Amazon app and start browsing. Walk around the aisles picking up grocery items, putting them in your own bag. And then walk out. I half expected to hear a shout behind me from security; it really feels like shoplifting!
Retailers are taking big steps to make food shopping even easier and faster. Automated robots that sort through vegetables, smart refrigerators that know when items are expiring, and robotic distribution centres are on the rise. AI systems that predict, before you do, when you need something is trending fast.
Lab-Grown and Plant Based foods continuing to grow
Environmental concerns really have increased the consumption of plant based foods. Vegan and Vegetarian based diets are on the increase and will continue throughout 2022. More and more restaurants and brands will be providing plant based options.
Something I have not seen too much in the UK, yet, is lab-grown meat on the menu. This real, no-kill meat will disrupt the industry and a cultured-meat burger is in the not too distant future.
Image: Deliveroo Ghost kitchen / Michael Franke
Al-Fresco dining, delivery and dark kitchens
The Covid pandemic is not going away anytime soon and I believe it will continue deep into 2022. The food industry has responded well and many businesses pivoted to provide home based services.
I see this as continuing to grow. Outdoor eating has extended some businesses opening times (month to month) as indoor dining has become restricted during some lockdowns.
Another one of the predictions for the Food Industry are Dark Kitchen’s, otherwise known as Ghost Kitchens or Virtual Kitchens. These dark kitchens are springing up fast, jumping on the enormous boom of delivery services from platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats.
Make your own kits are also becoming more popular where you get sent fresh ingredients to make yourself at home. Some examples are this guy and Hello Fresh.
Predictions for the Food Industry Summary
I hope my food industry predictions for 2022 are helpful to any food and hospitality business. Whilst it’s incredibily important to stay with your core values, exploring new options can really help your restaurant in the short term.
Work with John Fyn Photography
My goal is to represent your food, your creations and your dishes working with you to enhance the presentation of these and therefore creating feelings of appetite at first sight to your customers.
I normally cover Greater London and South-East England for commissioned work - if you’re further away don’t worry, we can work something out. I also shoot food products in my home studio, if you prefer, these can be sent directly to me.
Contact me now to have a chat about your requirements ...