San Miguel Foods Culinary Center Unveils Top Five Food and Beverage Trends for 2024
San Miguel Foods Culinary Center (SMFCC), the food creative arm of San Miguel Foods, recently partnered with Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) and San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMBI) to present “Food Forward,” a preview of upcoming food and beverage trends for 2024 and beyond.
The event, held every three years, took place at The Astbury in Makati City, showcasing a communal dining concept to reflect the influence of technology on culinary experiences. The aim of the event was to encourage connections through food and highlight the diverse range of food and beverage products offered by San Miguel Foods.
“Sustainability is our number one trend this year because it isn’t just prevalent in food; it’s our top priority and a commitment we actively practice as a company,” said Llena Tan-Arcenas, San Miguel Foods Culinary Services Manager. “San Miguel Foods envisions a healthier nation through improved nutrition and our commitment to contribute to achieving food security for the Philippines.”
Photo from San Miguel Foods Culinary Center
The top five trends identified by SMFCC for 2024 are as follows:
1. Sustainable Dining
This trend focuses on the awareness of how food choices impact the environment and reducing food waste. It includes the climatarian diet, which promotes low environmental impact, plant-forward choices, and the use of local and seasonal ingredients. Plant-based and lab-grown food options are also becoming popular, along with sustainable seafood alternatives and eco-friendly packaging. Artificial intelligence is also being used to predict harvest periods and minimize food waste.
2. Healthspan Wellness
With a growing aging population, the focus is on healthspan—living disease-free years. Functional foods that offer benefits like energy, focus, and relaxation are in demand. The trend leans towards a plant-forward approach, incorporating mushrooms, botanicals, exotic fruits, and fermented foods. Low-alcohol and zero-proof drinks are gaining popularity, along with unique flavors and botanical ingredients in alcoholic beverages.
3. Borderless Global Flavors
This trend explores the fusion of different cultures and regional cuisines. Highlights include third-culture cuisine and Balkan cuisine, as well as the use of local ingredients in global dishes. The spice heist trend includes unique flavor combinations, while convenience products with regional flavors make global cuisine more accessible.
4. Retro Revival and Newstalgia
People are embracing retro-themed foods and flavors to find comfort and familiarity. The trend focuses on reviving beloved childhood favorites and creating new nostalgic versions with updated twists. Newstalgia combines traditional flavors with modern twists.
5. Little Luxe
This trend indulges in bold flavors and colors to bring a sense of luxury and joy. It includes indulgent dessert profiles, reinvented classics, and handcrafted or artisanal treats. Dessert-inspired flavors are making their way into various baked goods.
Through these trends, San Miguel Foods aims to stay ahead in the food and beverage industry and provide quality products that bring delight to consumers.