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2022 Consumer Trends

The ongoing pandemic has played a major role in shaping food and beverage trends. Covid had a significant effect on our approach to health and wellness – to both mind and body.  Inflation, labour shortages and supply chain disruptions all played a role in our choices, expectations and desires going forward. Product innovation, consumer trends and industry shifts have all contributed to food and beverage macro trends in 2022.  Some of the top themes for this year are in the…

Can Chocolate Make You Happy?

While health in food is often tied to physical well-being, for chocolate, a considerable share of consumers thinks of emotional well-being.  Chocolate purchases are often impulsive, and research shows this to be particularly true for women, but do you ever wonder why chocolate makes us feel so good? There is a reason chocolate is sometimes called the ‘happiness drug’, and it’s not to do with marketing. Chocolate contains numerous ingredients, chemicals, and compounds that have been shown to affect the…

INTERNATIONAL FOODS 

The popularity of internationally inspired foods in Canada is indicative of a consumer base that is open to exploring new foods and flavours. Three quarters (77%) of Canadians agree that internationally inspired foods are more mainstream now than they used to be.1 Conversely, finding foods that are new and different yet are accepted by the broad consumer base, can be a challenge. As such, it’s important to understand the types of internationally inspired foods and flavours that consumers are showing…

AODA Multi Year Plan

The AODA policy has been developed to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, which requires the development of standards for accessibility in four areas: Customer Service, Information, Communication and Employment. Specifically, this policy addresses the Integrated Standard of Customer Service, Information, Communication and Employment and supersedes the Customer Service Policy issued in December 2011. The purpose of these standards is to break down barriers and increase accessibility for persons with disabilities. AODA Policy TOLC AODA Multi Year…

The Rice is Right: Why Brown Rice is an Underrated Superfood

In light of the global health crisis, people these days are becoming more conscious of their health. Aside from staying active and practicing good personal hygiene, you can also eat certain kinds of food to boost your health and immune system. These are known as superfoods. They get their name because not only are they packed with minerals, vitamins and other nutrients ⁠— they also have numerous health benefits that can help you live a full and energized life. Some…

EMERGING BEVERAGE TRENDS 

The impact of Covid-19 has created a new normal in the beverage category. Health is now a greater priority given the threat of infection and the stresses of a lockdown lifestyle.  Health was already trending pre-lockdown, but consumers are now even more concerned about it than ever before.  According to Nielsen, in Canada we are seeing lots of growth across beverage sub-categories.1  Some of these include juice, soda, cocktail mixes and functional beverages.    JUICE  Consumers turn to juice as…

SNACKING HABITS & TRENDS 

Tree of Life Snacks

SNACKING HABITS & TRENDS   The definition of snacking has moved beyond just potato chips and is inclusive of many different segments.  As a result, each person’s go-to snack is going to be as unique as they are. And this can be tied back to the variety of trends that are shaping the category and encouraging growth rates to climb.   Although the pandemic acutely brings physical health to top of mind for all, the anxiety and strain brought on by fears…

The Canadian Halal Market

By Natasha Decarie | Marketing Coordinator – Insights & Communications The term Halal is associated with Islamic dietary laws where foods are processed and prepared in accordance with specific requirements.  The meaning of Halal in Arabic is permissible or lawful – it is a way of life for Muslims where health is the key consideration.  Apart from food, it also includes many other areas such as beauty and fashion.    The Halal lifestyle focuses on the humane treatment of animals during the slaughtering process and does not include pork or pork by-products.  Halal does not just refer to meats however,…