9 min read
We’re sharing the top 6 trends in the produce and floral industries that emerged at this year’s 2024 Global Produce and Floral Show. The show brought together professionals, innovators, and thought leaders from across the fresh produce and floral industries to explore cutting-edge technologies and pressing challenges. As exhibitors at the show in the Business Solutions section, the Felins team had a front row seat to all of the action at GPFS. One thing is clear: the industry is constantly changing and adapting! The challenges and trends this year have evolved from last year’s.
Here’s a recap of the biggest takeaways and trends in floral and produce you need to know about:
1. Consumer Preferences and Emerging Markets
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- Trend #1: Shifting consumer preferences towards organic and health-conscious products is reshaping how producers and retailers approach their product offerings. At the show, we saw a clear focus on meeting the demand for organic and natural products while also tapping into emerging global markets. International demand for fresh produce is also driving exploration into emerging markets, particularly in regions like Asia and Latin America.
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- Example: The rise of healthier soda-alternatives with health benefits such as low calorie, low sugar or pre- and pro-biotics are still trending. This trend has risen in recent years and still remains strong! There are more and more offerings hitting the markets every year.
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- Trend #1: Shifting consumer preferences towards organic and health-conscious products is reshaping how producers and retailers approach their product offerings. At the show, we saw a clear focus on meeting the demand for organic and natural products while also tapping into emerging global markets. International demand for fresh produce is also driving exploration into emerging markets, particularly in regions like Asia and Latin America.
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- Trend #2: Consumers are increasingly more interested in produce that is exotic, tropical and different. Social media reach and virality is contributing to a trend toward more exotic and exciting flavors such as pink pineapples, dragon fruit, guava, pink mangos and more.
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- Example: Melissa’s Fruit company is poised perfectly to meet this demand; their selection of produce and variety of unique displays were distinct and noticeable, tapping into consumer curiosities. Abundance was in theme at their exhibit showcasing Blood Oranges, Tasmanian Cherries, Figs, pink-fleshed apples and pears, and even Spargel (a German specialty white asparagus typically only found in Europe during specific seasons)!
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- Trend #2: Consumers are increasingly more interested in produce that is exotic, tropical and different. Social media reach and virality is contributing to a trend toward more exotic and exciting flavors such as pink pineapples, dragon fruit, guava, pink mangos and more.
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- Example: Natalie’s Juice Company had some new and quirky juices. Their team confirmed that they’ve seen a trend in consumers wanting different combinations and unique flavors and thus launched new flavors, such as Guava Lemonade and Blood Orange juice, in tandem with this growing interest.
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2. Food Safety, Traceability & Compliance in Produce
In an age where consumers are increasingly conscious about where their food comes from – food safety, traceability and compliance are more than just trends in the produce industry – they’ve become critical issues.
Software and technological advances in this sector are becoming crucial for ensuring traceability from farm to table. The top benefit of investing in this means building consumer trust and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Vendors that help to simplify processes or organize data across compliance, safety, and tracking have an edge as businesses are realizing that it doesn’t make sense to compartmentalize vendors – choosing to look for solutions that cover as many bases as possible.
- Example: Recalls were a hot topic at the sessions, with a number of attendees asking questions specifically on recall processes and solutions on how to handle them.
3. Technological Innovations in Packaging and Labeling for Produce and Floral
Technology-driven packaging and labeling solutions, like smart labels that track freshness or QR codes providing transparency on product origins, are still growing in popularity. Building consumer trust and transparency is a key benefit of this trend. At the show, many exhibitors in both produce and floral sectors showcased packaging and labeling solutions that deliver real-time data on freshness and sourcing, creating a more informed and connected consumer experience.
- Example: Natuflora utilized a QR code on their floral picks, the code takes consumers through a virtual video journey to the farms and also shows what the company is doing to take care of their employees. “The floral industry needs to show consumers that they have an environmental responsibility and a social responsibility to their workers,” says Laura Rivell, Senior Account Manager from Natuflora.
- Example: While exhibitors of traditional packaging methods were present at the show such as containers, flexible packaging, bags, and plastic trays, there was also a growing number of niche packaging and labeling options. Apeel Science’s product “Apeel” or “Edipeel” is an edible, plant-based coating that can make cucumbers, avocados, citrus and other types of fruit last twice as long. The coating doesn’t affect the taste of the product! This technology reduces food waste as well as reliance on single-use plastic packaging. (This solution can be paired with a recyclable labeling solution such as the Felins Banding machine!)
4. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Packaging for Produce and Florals
Sustainability remains a driving force in the produce and floral industries, especially with increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly options. At the 2024 Global Produce and Floral Show, we saw exciting innovations that balanced eco-consciousness with maintaining product integrity. More companies are adopting biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable packaging materials.
In the floral sector, we’re seeing sustainable packaging, eco-certifications, and a rise in demand for locally grown, organic, or Fair-Trade flowers. Expect more florists and growers to adopt sustainable practices to meet consumer expectations.
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- Example #1: Our own work with Stemilt Growers on sustainable packaging for apples is an excellent example of how the industry is moving forward. Felins manufactures and distributes machinery that is meant to automatically bundle, sleeve or label products. This technology is a perfect fit for the produce, food and floral industries. The Felins Banding machines can label, sleeve, or keep items together using a variety of sustainable materials such as 100% TruePaper! The banding systems come in ready-to-use models or larger fully automated systems. Meanwhile, the Felins Tying machines can automatically tie floral bouquets to keep them bunched together.
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- Example #2: Many booth displays used corrugate in their designs and exhibits, an aesthetic that shows a fun, creative and sustainability-forward brand. Sunkist’s booth did this extremely well. Their entire booth, even the seating and tables, were made out of strong corrugate material. Natuflora’s booth also had corrugated pedestals and utilized reusable cork flooring, keeping sustainability in mind. “Our team even made sure to use the broken stems and flowers in the displays, ensuring that there’s no waste. Our entire trade show set up is reusable or sustainable,” says Laura from Natuflora.
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- Example #3: Calavo (a play on the words California and Avocado), celebrates 100 years in the produce industry this year! They are answering the calls to consumer demand for freshness and convenience, without sacrificing healthiness. Their guacamole and avocado pouches, while at first glance may seem plastic-forward, is actually by design – meant to keep the air out of the avocado product and preventing browning. While most consumers may think of paper or brown packaging as the most sustainable, Mike from Calavo shares a great point: “Our avocado pouches will keep the guacamole fresh for up to 40 days. Sustainability can also be found in the ways our packaging design helps end users stretch their product for longer periods of time, getting more value out of a single purchase,” Mike explained.
5. Trends in Flexibility in the Fresh Food Industry
That leads us to our next trend in food: flexibility in food uses. Many growers, produce companies and brands were showcasing how their products could be used in different ways. As we mentioned above, more and more companies are finding ways to create more value for end-users out of a single product. This also helps build new brand awareness from both retailers and end-users.
- Example #1: Fresh Express showcased a salad pack that could be eaten hot or cold.
- Example #2: Wholly Brands demonstrated how guacamole could be more than just a party snack; it can be used as a condiment on hot dogs or as a healthier alternative to sour cream.
- Example #3: Marzetti dressings could be used as drizzles over Hors d’oeuvres instead of just salads.
6. Personalized Floral Experiences and Customization
Personalization continues to be a major trend across industries, and floristry is no exception. In the floral industry, customers are increasingly looking for bespoke, personalized floral arrangements that tell a story or reflect their individual tastes. This trend also includes the use of unique, non-traditional flowers, as well as the integration of personal messages, QR codes, or even digital elements within the arrangement.
- Example: Vistaflor had eccentric arrangements for different tastes including a Maximalism Floral Collection, as Maximalism has been on the rise in other industries such as fashion and interior design. The pops of personality are extended into the designs of their floral picks as well. Beyond just getting any pre-arranged bouquet at the store, “People want personalization,” Ixo Valdes, Senior Account Manager from Vistaflor, confirmed.
What to Watch For: Florists offering more customization options, including rare flower varieties, personalized packaging, and experiences where customers can design their own arrangements. Floral boutiques in your area may be hosting “Build-Your-Own Bouquet” social events, emphasizing the rise in engaged customers who are looking for unique and personalized experiences. While some grocers and retailers may already have florists in-shoppe providing custom arrangements, these outlets may benefit from offering consumers different methods such as creating similar “Build-Your-Own Bouquet” events, having an assortment of ready-to-purchase arrangements in different personalities and themes, or in-store personalized experiences with a professional florist.
If you’ve made it this far in our blog, congratulations! You’re staying ahead of the curve.
Whether you’re adapting your packaging, researching automation, or responding to shifting consumer preferences, the future is bright with opportunities for innovation and growth. As the floral and produce industries continue to evolve, embracing change will be key to success next year and beyond.
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