ADM Predicts More Functional Ingredients in Pet Products
Pet parents around the world want functional ingredients in their pet products, according to ADM's latest Pet Parents Around the World Have Spoken report. The research polled information from pet owners in Mexico, Brazil, Poland, the US, Germany, the UK, and France and found that 85% of global pet parents consider that proper nutrition and supplements are as important for their pets as they are for themselves. Pet owners in all markets are also:
- Willing to pay more for functional ingredients instead of pet products without any supplementary ingredients
- Most concerned about dental and oral health, skin and coat health, and healthy aging
- Placing high value on recommendations from their vets before choosing a product
- Favoring soft chews as they are the most popular pet supplement format
- Learning that biotics have a similar effect on pets
Kerry Group Reports on 2025 Taste Trends
Kerry Group taste experts and members from their global insights team have shared their list of taste trends for 2025. Their selection of emerging flavors serve as indicators for their clients looking to develop innovative solutions to meet the expected demand of eating and drinking preferences for consumers over the next 12 months. This year's report, which is a predecessor to the upcoming 2025 Taste Charts—an extended list of flavors across 13 different regional markets separated into three different categories, available in January 2025, spotlights six key themes:
- Imagination Infused: Exploring daring flavor pairings like spicy citrus
- Roots Redefined: Showcasing the modern reinterpretation of traditional cuisines, making sure every bite and sip is both a comfort and unique
- Little Luxuries: Spotlighting small indulgences that elevate everyday experiences
- Fun with Functional: Delivering health benefits alongside pleasurable flavors
- Clean & Simple: Transparency above all with products containing minimal ingredients and maximum benefits
- Chain Reaction: Emphasizing sustainability across the supply chain
Getmore on Kerry's predictions for 2025 here.
dsm-firmenich Selects the Next Flavor of the Year
Milky Maple has been declared the Flavor of the Year for 2025 by dsm-firmenich. The nutrition, health, and sustainable innovation, co-creation and innovation partner selected the flavor, which is a unique blend of creamy soft milk mixed with the rich, natural sweetness of maple. "As food and beverage trends shift toward comfort, nature and personal wellbeing, people increasingly gravitate towards flavors that offer a taste of familiarity, balance and connection," said Maurizio Clementi, Executive Vice President of Taste, Texture, and Health at dsm-firmenich. "’Milky Maple’ delivers on this demand – it is a soothing embrace that draws people into a world of warmth and indulgence."
Milky maple's combination of sweetness and creaminess is particularly popular in Asia. While the dairy version allows consumers to mix the nostalgia and simplicity of milk with the unique sweetness and warm earthy undertones of maple, a plant-based version can be created using SMART MILK flavors and the company's DYNAROME DA for an equally creamy, rich in texture, flavorful, and enticing sensory experience.
Bob’s Red Mill Reveals Next Year's Baking Trends
Bob's Red Mill has put together a list of anticipated baking trends for 2025. Based on product sales, top recipes from their website, and consumer insight, their list includes:
- Artisan Made Easy: Bob’s Red Mill’s Artisan Baking Flour was among the brand’s top five most popular products in 2024 and has seen 66% YoY growth. In 2025 consumers will continue to want to enhance their baked goods with high quality ingredients, flavors and techniques.
- Dietary Restrictions on the Rise: More consumers are seeking out gluten-free and top-allergen free products to accommodate for food allergies and autoimmune conditions like Celiac Disease which are on the rise. Bob’s Red Mill’s Almond Flour and Gluten Free 1:1 Baking Flour were the two most-purchased products in 2024, and 50% of the top 10 most-visited recipes on the Bob’s Red Mill website are gluten-free recipes. There is also an expected renewed interest in corn-based products like Masa Harina, Cornmeal, and Corn Flour.
- The Return of Sourdough: With consumers continuing to prioritize their gut health and choosing foods with fermented ingredients, 2025 is not expected to slow down the popularity of sourdough.
Herbal Beauty Products Market Will Continue Growing
2025 will mark another year of growth for the global herbal beauty products market which is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2024 to 2031 and increase its market size from USD 77.5 billion in 2024 to USD 122.1 billion by 2031, according to the analysts at Persistence Market Research. Driven by consumers growing preference for natural and organic solutions, herbal beauty products have become the favored alternative to synthetic cosmetics. Similarly, brands are being more transparent with their ingredient sourcing and promoting eco-friendly practices in order to attract more clients within the market.
In the upcoming year, herbal beauty products companies will address market challenges like regulatory hurdles and the need for consistent quality by continuing to invest in:
- Research and development to create new unique solutions
- Hybrid products that blend herbal ingredients with advanced skincare technologies
- e-commerce with user-friendly interfaces, attractive discounts, and global accessibility to continue driving sales
- Social media platforms to enable direct engagement between brands and consumers
- Biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials
- Sourcing ingredients through ethical and sustainable means
- Growth opportunities in emerging markets
