Almonds rank first in Europe for product innovation

For the eighth year in a row, almonds maintain their primacy as the most widely used dried fruit in the introduction of new products in Europe, during the 2022.

A data revealed by the “Global New Product Introductions” report by Innova Market Insights which shows that more than 5000 new almond-based products have been introduced on the market, accounting for 43,7% of global introductions, the highest share worldwide.

With a 26,1% share, confectionery products are the leading category in terms of volume in Europe. A popularity confirmed also by the Italian data which place almonds at the top of the ranking of new introductions concerning the use of dried fruit in the categories of snacks and bars, but also in the one of dairy products.

Therefore, almonds prove to be an extremely irresistible, healthy and versatile plant-based food, able to promote and support innovation in the food industry.

MAIN TRENDS IN FOOD & BEVERAGE INDUSTRY

The Innova Market Insights report shows how, facing the general price spike, today’s consumers are now more careful than ever in evaluating the price of a given product, in relation to the benefits it can bring.

The cost and value for money have become increasingly important issues fore more than half of food and beverage consumers worldwide. But while exploring various savings strategies, they are still determined to opt for products that ensure their personal well-being while supporting planetary health.

According to the collected data, consumers are looking for brands that respect the values they believe in and that ensure quality, safety and reliability through product formulation and a strong approach to sustainability. As a result, the demand for plant-based products is accompanied by the attention to health and environmental responsibility.

The project of our Alfrus, in collaboration with our partner Pomona Farming, is to align our production to this now primary aspect for consumers, as the almonds we process will increasingly come from suppliers who implement an integrated farming, through sustainable practices such as recycling throughout the entire orchard, reduction of water used for irrigation and other methods of regenerative agriculture.

And this is exactly where almonds come to the aid of producers, as plant-based ingredients with an excellent nutritional profile and a versatility evident in many formats and in endless food destinations. This aspect is reflected by the wide range of Alfrus almonds. Our product catalogue boasts eight different formats including:
– Whole almonds;
– Sliced almonds;
– Halved almonds;
– Chopped almonds;
– Almond flour;
– Almond flakes;
– Almond sticks;
– Marzipan.

This proves that there are endless ways for product developers to incorporate almonds into new foods, which makes the opportunities for the plant-based industry really interesting.

Consumers are increasingly driven by the wish to prioritize their health and they actively look for ways to maintain a healthy diet, especially through food. According to the trends detected by Innova Market Insights, the support of reliable certifications also strenghtens the appeal of an ingredient’s health profile. It is no coincidence that the quality of Alfrus products is an excellence guaranteed and certified by the most acknowledged international standards of food safety.

Finally, this success is inevitably determined by the spread of specific dietary choices. Almonds’ ability to respond to the variety of health needs and contemporary dietary styles, including free-from diets, the Mediterranean diet and the high demand for plant-based product, makes them the first ingredients for plant-based products in Europe, thanks to the undeniable health contribution of natural proteins and their ability to combine with other vegetable proteins.

But there is more. According to a further trend displayed by the report, almonds guarantee crunchiness and creaminess, the two main claims regarding texture in the new almond-based food introductions, a preferable characteristic sought by 32% of global consumers in plant-based products.

Facing the ever-changing lifestyles and consumers’ demand, producers can be sure that almonds will always add that extra value to their products. At the same time, when it comes to almonds, consumers do not need to compromise because these small seeds are able to offer ideals, nutrients, quality, versatility and an unmistakable taste at the same time.

We are glad that the properties and goodness of almonds are now increasingly acknowledged worldwide and we are proud that we turned the passion for this incredible fruit into our work and our greatest vocation.

29 September 2023