IDDBA 2023 Trade Show Trends!

Welcome to our blog recap of the hottest trends we caught at the IDDBA 2023 Trade Show in Anaheim, California. From June 4 to 6, our team had the fantastic opportunity to investigate the most recent advancements and innovations in the food and beverage industries, visit our customers, and gain incredible insight into the dairy, deli, and bakery industries.

The IDDBA Trade Show is recognized for presenting cutting-edge goods, providing business insights, and creating relationships between experts in the dairy, deli, and bakery industries. Join us as we highlight the important trends and developments that drew our notice within the industry and give you a glimpse into the direction this thriving sector is taking.

Overcoming Competition

Organizations in the food and beverage sector can stay competitive by efficiently utilizing their resources and adapting according to the new innovations. From supply chains being optimized, research and development funded, a trained workforce, and digital technologies adopted, organizations can begin to overcome the competition and achieve goals. An advantage in this dynamic industry comes from streamlining operations, developing innovative goods, empowering staff, and utilizing data analytics. Companies may stay ahead of the competition and prosper in the face of it by wisely using their resources.

Empowering People

Companies can benefit from the aggregate knowledge and skill of their staff by promoting a culture of continual learning and growth. People can keep up with the newest market trends and technological advancements by participating in professional development programs, having access to pertinent training, and fostering a collaborative work atmosphere. Organizations can help to achieve this by encouraging cross-functional cooperation, removing silos, and fostering team knowledge-sharing. Employees who feel valued and driven to produce their best work are empowered, which boosts productivity and gives the company as a whole a competitive advantage.

Cultivating Community

Building a strong sense of community is essential for firms to be competitive in the fast-paced and constantly-evolving food and beverage sector. Companies can position themselves as leaders in their sector and build enduring relationships with clients, suppliers, and business experts by making good use of the resources at their disposal. Participating actively in trade exhibitions and industry events like the IDDBA Trade Show is one method to promote community. These platforms present chances for networking, teamwork, and gaining important knowledge about new trends. Additionally, businesses can use digital tools like social media and online forums to interact with their target market, spread knowledge, and develop a strong customer base.

Embracing Technology Innovation

In today’s highly technologically driven environment, firms must embrace technological innovation if they want to stay competitive in the food and beverage sector. Businesses have a tremendous opportunity to improve efficiency, streamline processes, and keep on top of trends thanks to the accessibility of cutting-edge resources. Organizations may increase productivity, enhance client experiences, and eventually solidify a better market position by wisely utilizing these resources such as AI, Robotics, Automation and much more. Companies can realize their full potential and establish themselves as leaders in the cutthroat food and beverage sector by effectively allocating resources and adopting technology.

Recognizing Consolidation

Organizations must adapt and strategically use their resources in an era of rapid industry consolidation to increase competitive advantage. Companies are now needing to find strategies to optimize their strengths while seizing new opportunities as mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships become more prevalent. Organizations may improve their competitive posture and adapt to the changing environment of the food and beverage industry by efficiently exploiting their resources and understanding and recognizing the current state of the environment.

Fostering Food Safety

Utilizing resources to uphold high standards is essential for staying competitive as customers’ awareness of the quality and safety of the items they consume grows. Implementing technological solutions, such as automated monitoring tools and food traceability systems, can also improve efficiency and streamline operations while supporting efforts to ensure food safety. Maintaining a positive reputation and a competitive edge in the market can be achieved by empowering employees to disclose potential safety concerns and fostering open communication channels. Organizations may show their dedication to customer well-being and boost their position in the rapidly changing food and beverage sector by utilizing these tools and adopting a comprehensive approach to food safety.

Affordable Robots

Robots

The use of affordably priced robots is a trend and current strategy that has experienced considerable success. Various sectors of the industry, including food preparation and assembly as well as inventory control and customer service, are being revolutionized by these intelligent devices. Organizations must first evaluate their unique needs and objectives in order to use these resources in the most efficient manner. They can pinpoint areas where robotic automation can add the most value by completing a complete investigation, such as simplifying repetitive activities, boosting productivity, and guaranteeing constant quality.

Let the Product Speak for Itself

In an industry where consumers are increasingly focused on transparency and making informed choices, the “Let the Product Speak for Itself” trend has emerged as a powerful strategy for organizations in the food and beverage sector. The use of clear packaging, which enables customers to interact visually with the product before making a purchase, is central to this trend. Organizations can invest in premium packaging materials that show off the product in its true form to capitalize on this trend and stay competitive. This comprises transparent containers, lids, or pouches that offer a glimpse inside. Companies can also improve the look of the package by using simple artwork and labeling that don’t obscure the goods. In a crowded market, firms can stand out, gain attention, and establish trust by putting transparent packaging first. This eventually appeals to customers’ needs for authenticity and openness.

Change Management

Organizations in the food and beverage sector are proactively positioning themselves for success in an environment that is becoming more competitive by embracing change and using their resources wisely. The food and beverage industry is currently undergoing fast transformation, and change management has become a key trend for businesses looking to stay competitive. Companies must have a proactive strategy to change in order to negotiate the constantly shifting consumer tastes, market realities, and technological improvements. Effective resource optimization is one of the important tactics that businesses may use. In order to do this, resources like technology, human capital, and financial assets must be identified and directed toward innovation, agility, and market responsiveness.

Embracing Sustainability

Embracing sustainability is no longer just a fleeting fad; it is now essential for food and beverage businesses to stay competitive. A greener, more sustainable future is something that consumers are wanting more and more in the form of goods and services. Ways that food and beverage organizations are meeting this increasing demand is by investing in creative packaging, implementing sustainable sourcing, streamlining production processes, and engaging customers through open communication to successfully leverage resources. By doing this, businesses can draw in eco-aware customers and strengthen their market position.

Plant Based

The popularity of plant-based products is one of the most notable trends to have completely revolutionized the market. Organizations must grasp the possibilities of this trend and make the most of their resources to be competitive as customers place an increasing emphasis on health, sustainability, and ethical issues. To achieve this, businesses can start by making research and development investments to provide inventive, superior plant-based substitutes that satisfy a wide range of consumer tastes and dietary requirements. Businesses can spot market gaps and create goods that follow changing trends by studying consumer preferences and performing market research.

Up-Cycled Certified

Upcycled Certified

In the food and beverage industry, the upcycled certified products trend has emerged as a game-changer. By-products, excess, or food waste can be upcycled into new goods with added value, reducing waste and lowering carbon footprint. Businesses that make use of these resources not only help to create a more circular economy, but they also gain a competitive advantage. Companies can capitalize on rising consumer demand for eco-friendly options while cutting costs and boosting profitability by embracing upcycled certified products. Organizations can establish themselves as industry leaders and draw in a rising market of environmentally concerned consumers by integrating sustainability aims with business objectives.

ESG

Consumers are placing more value on businesses that prioritize environmental preservation, social impact, and ethical governance, which has given rise to the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) trend. Organizations must take a proactive stance in order to make the most of the resources at hand and maintain an advantage in this cutthroat environment. Companies may improve their brand reputation, draw in environmentally concerned customers, and build enduring customer loyalty by implementing sustainable supply chain procedures, cutting their carbon footprint, aiding local communities, and guaranteeing transparency in governance. Organizations may position themselves as sustainability leaders, gain a competitive advantage, and positively impact the future of the food and beverage industry by integrating ESG concepts into their plans.

Health and Wellbeing

The consumer trend toward health and well-being has only been growing more and more popular in the food and beverage industry. Customers are increasingly looking for healthful, nutrient-dense foods that support their own wellness objectives. Organizations must efficiently use the resources at their disposal to stay competitive. This entails making investments in R&D, working with specialists, procuring high-quality ingredients, applying transparent labeling, employing technology for consumer insights, and creating alliances with organizations that share your values. Companies can prosper in the expanding market of health-conscious consumers by carefully utilizing these resources.

Convenience

Convenience

The need for fast-moving food and beverage items has surged in today’s hectic environment. People now prioritize convenience over all other considerations when making purchases because they want to save time and effort without sacrificing quality. The market is swamped with a broad variety of practical options, including ready-to-eat meals, on-the-go snacks, and pre-packaged beverages.  The emphasis is on offering items that easily fit into hectic schedules, whether it is through portable packaging or quick preparation techniques. Businesses have a huge chance to meet this expanding consumer need and stand out in a fiercely competitive industry as the convenience trend continues to change the food and beverage environment.

Provide Consumers with Value

Food and beverage businesses now need to give their customers value in addition to a quality product. As customer tastes change, consumers look for more than just a good taste or appealing packaging. They yearn for a complete experience that combines excellence, value, and all three factors. Businesses need to be aware of these shifting consumer wants and adapt by providing goods that meet those expectations. This calls for paying attention to elements like nutritional value, sustainability, and ethical sourcing in addition to taste and presentation. Food and beverage companies may create better bonds with customers, encourage brand loyalty, and ultimately succeed in today’s cutthroat market by understanding the significance of providing value to them.

Final Thoughts

Overall, our team had a fabulous experience at the International Dairy Deli and Bake Association trade show and gained incredible insights.

Here at Softengine, we pride ourselves in staying up to date on the latest food and beverage trends in order to provide our customers world class experiences. By implementing an ERP solutions such as SAP Business One, achieving the latest trends and remaining competitive in an everchanging industry becomes easier and more efficient!

Check out our client success stories and learn how SAP Business One and our Softengine Products take SMBs to the next level of success, automation, and efficiency!