And just like that – Expo West 2024 has come and gone – leaving our team buzzing with excitement over the incredible innovations and trends taking over Anaheim. If you attended, you may have seen TEAM PINK walking the expo halls or captured the moment with one of our Instagram filters throughout the show. A remarkably impressive event every year, ExpoWest was filled with some truly fresh ideas and innovations that will shape the food and beverage industry in 2024. And you bet we have the juicy details of everything we uncovered, so listen in and take notes! Here are the food and beverage trends that took over during ExpoWest – and what’s sure to take over your grocery store in 2024.
Regenerative Farming
Picture this: lush green fields, thriving ecosystems and a commitment to sustainability that goes beyond just buzzwords. That’s the essence of regenerative farming, a trend that took center stage at Expo West. Brands like Force of Nature Meats wowed us with their dedication to restoring the earth through regenerative agriculture practices. Of course, regenerative farming has been a focus for certain eco-friendly brands, but in 2024 it’s more than just a trend—it’s a movement toward a healthier planet and a brighter future for generations to come.
Save The Dates!
No, not quite what you’re thinking. Dates – as in fruit, not calendar – were all the rage in sweetener supplements at ExpoWest this year. Several vendors across the expo halls touted the sweet appeal of dates, showcasing a plethora of date-based products. From mouthwatering spreads to indulgent-filled treats, our team was gobbling up every sample we could find. Of course, finding a sweetener alternative is not a new trend, by any means. There’s been a decades-long search to find products that satiate that craving for natural sweetness with guilt-free indulgence – and dates are the next big fix! Joolies was a particular treat that caught our team’s eye with their bright, fun packaging and tasty samples. It’s one date we could never stand up.
Spirit-Free Zone
Expo West showcased a dizzying array of alcohol alternatives and functional beverages designed to tantalize taste buds and nourish the body. We’ve seen the craze after the new hard launch of soda into the probiotic space, and everyone at ExpoWest seemed to want a piece of the Poppi pie. From calming concoctions infused with ashwagandha and L-Theanine to revitalizing drinks packed with magnesium and other goodness, brands like Kin, Hiyo and Karma proved that wellness and enjoyment go hand in hand.
Coffee Craze & Collaborations
Coffee enthusiasts had plenty to celebrate at Expo West, with an abundance of coffee brands vying for attention. One particularly intriguing collaboration that caught our eye was between Chobani and their newly acquired coffee brand La Colombe. Serving their signature coffee alongside Chobani’s new creamer via a tap, this ExpoWest alliance exemplifies the spirit of partnerships and cross-collaboration to turn two servings into one unbeatable one.
Bright Packaging + Colors
Bright, bold colors dominated the Expo floor, signaling a departure from the subdued palettes of years past. From eye-catching packaging to vibrant signage, brands embraced hues of pink, blue, yellow and lavender to captivate consumers’ attention and convey a sense of energy and vitality.
Final Thoughts
Expo West 2024 was a testament to the industry’s unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability and complete consumer-centricity. As marketing experts always eager for the next trend, we’re excited to see how these moments will shape brand strategies and consumer preferences in the months and years to come. What was your favorite part of ExpoWest? Share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn or Instagram.