ALIBER 2024: the foods and ingredients of the future, which are already a reality
The food and beverage industry, always dynamic and evolving, constantly surprises us with new trends and significant changes. In recent years, we have witnessed a series of exciting developments that are reshaping the culinary landscape and meeting the changing demands of consumers.
The development of innovative ingredients, technological revolution, or digitization of management and process automation are shaping the trends and horizon of the food and beverage industry. All of this, with sustainability at the forefront, both in business philosophy and consumer concerns.
From production to packaging and distribution, measures are being implemented to reduce the environmental impact of the food and beverage industry. This includes the use of organic and local ingredients, the adoption of more environmentally friendly agricultural practices, and the reduction of food waste throughout the supply chain.
New trends in ingredients and “Plant-Based” foods
In a continuous effort to meet consumer demands and offer innovative culinary experiences, the food and beverage industry is welcoming a new wave of revolutionary ingredients. These new ingredients are redefining the standards of quality, taste, and sustainability in the food and beverage industry, offering consumers nutritious alternative options on their tables.
Additionally, consumers want to know more about health, food, and nutrition. Health information on packaging and details about the ingredients they contain are becoming increasingly prioritized.
In this regard, some trends that are revolutionizing the food industry include:
Alternative proteins:
The alternative protein market is experiencing an unprecedented boom, with ingredients such as pea protein, hemp protein, chickpea protein, or lentil protein being increasingly used in the creation of meat and dairy substitutes. These ingredients not only offer a nutritional profile comparable to that of meat and dairy, but they are also more sustainable in terms of resource use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Functional ingredients:
Consumers are increasingly interested in foods that not only satisfy their hunger but also offer additional health benefits. In response to this demand, manufacturers are incorporating a variety of functional ingredients into their plant-based products, such as superfoods, probiotics, or prebiotics. These ingredients not only improve the nutritional profile of foods and beverages, but they also promote digestive health, overall well-being, and body resilience to stress.
Alternative egg products:
With increasing concern for animal welfare, egg substitutes are gaining popularity as versatile ingredients in cooking. Alternatives such as tofu, chickpea flour, chia, and chickpea water are being used in a variety of products, from scrambles and omelets to baked goods like cakes and cookies.
Cultivated meat:
Although still in development, cultivated meat, also known as clean meat or lab-grown meat, is emerging as a promising alternative to conventional meat. This innovative technology involves culturing animal cells to produce real meat without the need to raise or slaughter animals. While not yet widely available on the market, cultivated meat is expected to play a significant role in reducing the environmental and ethical impact associated with meat production.
ALIBER, innovation at Alimentaria 2024
Alimentaria 2024 will present, between March 18 and 21 at the Fira de Barcelona, the main trends, innovations, and developments in the food and beverage industry. An event that, once again, will reaffirm its leadership as the main driving platform for business, internationalization, and networking with the visit of more than 100,000 industry professionals from around the world.
Within the framework of the Fair,Federación Española de Industrias de la Alimentación y Bebidas (FIAB) and Plataforma Tecnológica Food for Life organize “ALIBER, lo que nadie ve donde todos miran” which, this year 2024, will have our support as premium partners.
Within The Alimentaria HUB space, four days will be devoted to national and international conference cycles and meetings between prominent agents in innovation in the sector. The first day will be occupied by the traditional “Innovation Meetings,” which will address business advances in entrepreneurship, sustainability, new products and ingredients, food safety, new business models, or energy efficiency, among other issues. In addition, Premios Ecotrophelia España 2024, will be presented, which reward the entrepreneurial talent of young students through the development of innovative food and beverage products.
The program is completed with conference cycles on European innovation projects, the exhibition of innovation collaboration programs with entities such as CDTI Innovación or the Agency for Business Competitiveness of Catalonia (ACCIÒ).
Furthermore, ALIBER has the collaboration of Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación, Alimentos de España (MAPA) and Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades.
