| One of the biggest trends of 2024 is the focus on ultra processed foods (UPF). Health has been at the forefront of consumers minds for several years now and whilst processing has been under discussion for a time, its arguably never been under such a spotlight as now.
But its not just physical health that consumers are eyeing up in their 2024 purchases, its also mental wellbeing. Mood food is set to be a 2025 mega trend, with research from Nexus revealing that as many as 60% of Brits believe their diet is an important factor for good mental health and 39% changing what they eat and drink to boost it.
The proliferation of social media-based news will surely continue to drive certain trends and opinions in the new year whether or not they are scientifically-proven or accurate remains to be seen. As I write this column, the BBC has just published findings from an investigation into Steven Barlett which suggest he is amplifying harmful health misinformation on his popular podcast Diary of a CEO.
Podcasts in the UK are not regulated by Ofcom, which sets rules on accuracy and impartiality, so the entrepreneur and Dragons Den star is not violating any broadcasting rules.
Itll be interesting to see whether new rules emerge as a result of this and how they will be determined. Whilst Barlett is a celebrity with a large following, at what point does an influencer take on responsibility for what they are sharing?
According to The 2024 Influencer Marketing Report, influencer trust is steady, with almost 40% of Gen Z consumers trusting these self-made, social media celebs more than they did a year ago.
Although Gen Z are regarded as the generation glued to their phones, they are actually more likely to have a digital detox with the Q1 2024 Sprout Pulse survey finding that 57% opted for this in 2023.
The social media platform provider doesnt anticipate young folks to start leaving social media altogether just taking more breaks on mainstream platforms in favour of community engagement networks like Substack.
Moreover, if a ban on social media for under 16s does goes ahead, what kind of impact would this have on both mental wellbeing and information sharing in the future?
As always, Food Manufacture will keep you updated as changes come. For the meantime, please enjoy our wrap-up of key moments for 2024.
Thanks for supporting us; and on behalf of the entire FM team, I wish you and yours a safe, cosy and enjoyable holiday season.
See you in the new year!
Bethan Grylls |
