We recently attended the Hartman A.C.T. Food Culture Forecast 2018 to learn more about how consumers approach food and the broader contexts that impact their choices. The conference included five presentations on emerging trends, insights and strategic direction presented by Hartman Group’s food culture experts. Here are 5 key takeaways:

As a growing number of consumers explore how to boost the immune system quickly, there’s been a surging interest in immune system supplements. Explore global trends in immune system supplements—as well as which factors impact immunity, the most preferred immunity boosters for each age group, and key opportunities for manufacturers to meet this growing need.

The global protein market is expanding and evolving as consumers’ demand for protein grows. From next-gen plant-based meats to on-the-go protein snacks to dairy protein bioactives for sports performance, protein is checking all the boxes for today’s consumers. Here’s a look at the 2022 global protein market trends.

The COVID-19 outbreak continues to reshape consumers’ food purchasing behaviors, ranging from the products they’re buying to the places they’re shopping. Glanbia Nutritionals began charting consumer behaviors via surveys during the week of March 16, 2020. Now for week four of the research, the top finding of Glanbia Nutritionals’ consumer survey research is in: consumers are swapping their in-person grocery shopping for online grocery shopping. Take a look at the numbers and what this means for manufacturers.

Plant-based diets are on the rise as more consumers pursue environmentally sustainable lifestyles. This trend is influencing nearly all food and beverage categories—and sports nutrition is no exception. Explore the major trends in plant-based sports nutrition and how manufacturers can use plant proteins to make their brands more eco-friendly.

Consumers’ eating habits have been changing in surprising ways due to COVID-19. Week 8 of Glanbia Nutritional’s consumer survey research reveals that 63 percent of consumers have changed their diets a little, somewhat, or a lot since the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders began, with many now making their own foods and beverages at home. See how these new consumer behaviors may affect the food industry.

Glanbia Nutritionals' consumer research continues to track how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting the food supply chain. Week 8 results of our survey reveal that some consumers are substituting their preferred brands for different brands due to a lack of availability, while others are changing stores to remain brand-loyal. Also up ahead: signs that the food supply chain is beginning to recover.