There are fewer to no industries as consumer-driven as the food and beverage industry. This only increases over time. Many factors have an impact on shopping and consumption behaviour and thereby affect the industry. As Industrial Auctions is one of the biggest players within the industry, it is essential to keep an eye on relevant developments.

With the ongoing offer of restaurants, special delivery apps that take no longer than ten minutes and extended opening hours of supermarkets, consumers can easily access anything they are craving at any moment. What consequences does that bear? And how is the industry responding to it? This article presents you with the most common trends.

Environmental awareness

One of the biggest responses to the ongoing situation of the last years is the increased concern about climate change and sustainability. Not only do consumers want to know where their food is coming from, but they also want to be well-informed about the impact their decision has on climate change and the environment. After all, we have all started to act a bit longer-term these days. People are choosing cleaner labels, healthier products, and a more balanced diet.

These concerns are leading to a change in consumer behaviour. They are making well-overthought decisions regarding the food they want to consume, how it is manufactured and packed. Especially the manufacturing and the packaging, of course, affect Industrial Auctions.

Obviously, a second-hand machine is way more sustainable than a new variant. Even in 2018, an increase of 5.5% in the production of stainless steel demonstrates the extension in consumer demands. A few years after the manufacturing date, the lifetime value of food processing and packaging machinery is far from reach. The machines which are offered on auctions of Industrial Auctions can still be used for years and thereby definitely contribute to sustainability.

Faster food

Sky-high demands for nutritious food and minimal effort, which sums up consumers nowadays. With both parents working, continuous price raises, and never-ending responsibilities, days simply don’t have enough hours. This, in combination with a sustainable awareness, spoiled consumers and increasing interest in quality nutrition, make that the time range of which dinners are prepared in an average household halved since the last 20 years. These habits boost the demand for fast and healthy dinner options. Nevertheless, it also requires faster technology and machinery.

Craving new flavours

Since the possibilities for travelling to foreign places is very limited at the moment, people crave cultural delicatessens. Food from all over the world and different cultures become more popular and are implemented into daily diets. People are looking for food at home to generate some of the novelty and interest they would normally get from other sources. The beautifully presented content of the most interesting dishes from all over the world definitely forms a major influence on these international interests as well.

Transparency is key

As a result of the environmental and health-related awareness, consumers look critically at where their food comes from and who makes it. The current technology contributes to make the working environment a safer place from a hygienic and employer point of view. According to market insights, transparency throughout the supply chain is known as the top trend of the year.

Another factor that contributed to the demand for transparency, is the pandemic. Because of the ongoing situation, consumers require more insight into the origin of their food. Since transparency is one of the most important values within the core business of Industrial Auctions, they definitely contribute to a more transparent supply chain.

Many factors summed up which are leading to a change in the industry. Obviously, the last two years have been rather extraordinary. However, it is undeniable that the food and beverage industry is a dynamic industry that is very much dependent on human behaviour. As the online auctioneer for machinery within the food and beverage industry and with the biggest players as her contractors, Industrial Auctions is constantly on the move to meet up to the demands of the consumer. After all, this industry never gets bored. It is a good thing Industrial Auctions is keen on moving forward.