Reading the paper this morning, I realized that the foodscape has become the Wild, Wild West. What to expect this year? Well, saddle up. Here’s what lies ahead:
FOOD FOR MOOD, MIND & PERFORMANCE
Every day, there seems to be a study linking a food or food group to what ails you, and that flood of findings won’t ebb anytime soon (See New York Times, Jan. 30, 2007). So get ready to see more functional foods in the spotlight and even more controversy surrounding their potential regulation.
ETHICAL CONSUMERISM
As more and more food companies realize that their actions have both social and environmental impact, the rise of this consumer behavior will become pivotal when it comes to what people buy and why. Just look at green winemaking. Parducci (See Parducci web site) has made an art and science from growing grapes without pesticides and that sends a very clear message.
BEAUTY FROM WITHIN
Diet and health have taken paramount importance in Japan and Korea, both aging societies. So what does that mean for the Baby Boomer population in the U.S.? A look to the East is indicative of what’s coming. Watch for food and beverages that fuel, energize, purify and beautify.
RESTRICTIONS, LAWS AND REGULATION
There’s a lot going on under that big, white dome. Debate will continue over government’s role in obesity; Congress will ponder FTC authority to restrict advertising to children; country of origin labeling will be passionately debated; careful consideration will be given to creating a single food agency for regulation. That’s just for starters.
SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL
Zumba. I have no reason to mention this soon-to-be-exercise craze other than the fact I took a class and was hooked immediately. Any day now, Zumba will be the toast of Tinsel Town gyms. Check it out at Zumba’s web site.
Here’s some recent Zumba news coverage in the Chicago Tribune.
EXOTICA
With fruits flexing their nutrition muscle and showing off everything from anti-oxidant properties to fiber content, expect to see more from the Ugly Betty of fruits, namely Acai, Rambutan, Mangosteen and Goji. Getting your daily requirement of fruit has never seemed so juicy…
There’s my thinking. What am I missing? Let me hear from you, and we’ll track these trends (and, more import, decipher them) as the year goes by.