Huhtamaki predict food to go trends for 2017

Packaging specialists Huhtamaki has published some predictions on what they think the foodservice industry may expect in the coming year.

The report found:

• Consumers are spending more time commuting therefore the demand for portable snacks that can be enjoyed on-the-go continue to rise. This rise, will encourage the use of disposable packaging solutions and generate further investment in new product development.

•Healthy eating will remain a priority for consumers and as such, operators will see a demand for food choices with increased nutrition, with fresh and superfoods becoming even more popular. Energy pots are therefore likely to be the order of the day.

Becci Eplett, UK marketing manager, said: "We're always keen to share our knowledge of the marketplace and with the New Year approaching we're delighted to offer an insight into the food to go trends that we think will be popular in foodservice during 2017."

With the above in mind, the provision of 'build you own' meal concepts is something that Huhtamaki predicts will be popular.

Operators will be able to offer customers a choice of takeaway food containers, which they can use to create their own meal - picking their preferred portion size and selecting the protein, carbohydrate and vegetables which go into it. Whether hot or cold, this self-service style feeding is sure to be popular with those who are aware of what they eat.