In the mix for 2026: What our clients would like to see
Uncertainty and general unease may be steering consumer behavior these days, but that isn’t stopping the food and beverage industry from charging ahead with some exciting innovations and breakthrough concepts that are shaping the future of how brands connect with their customers.
From new ingredients to changing consumer tastes to the overall impact of artificial intelligence on, well … everything, our team stays on top of annual changes we believe will impact the public’s eating and drinking experiences. But ultimately, all the work we do on a daily basis is for our food and beverage clients. Our research and recommendations often inform their strategies—and many times, their insights and expectations inform our services.
With this in mind, we decided to ask representatives from some of our industry clients which trends are on their minds as we head toward next year. Some re-emphasized an eye on changes still unveiling themselves to different corners of service (see: AI), while others doubled down on trends that have gained momentum across multiple years (simplicity, authenticity).
Here’s what they said:
Melissa Fleischut – President and CEO
New York State Restaurant Association
The trend: AI-enabled efficiency
“I would like to see the restaurant industry adopt AI to increase efficiency. Restaurant operators, especially small restaurants, are strapped for time and AI can help. I don’t mean it should be used to replace team members, but it could be utilized to answer phone calls or take takeout orders, freeing up team members to better service the guest standing in front of them. It can also be used to research your competition and give you data about the consumers in your area.”
Kathy Kloc – Associate Marketing Manager
The trend: Simple ingredients
“One important trend that we’re continuing to see over the last few years is consumers’ interest in the ingredients they put on and in their body, from skincare to food. Now more than ever, consumers are paying closer attention to the ingredients in their food, prioritizing high-quality products made with simple ingredients.
“With a growing demand for authenticity, they seek out brands that uphold traditional craftsmanship with a focus on quality and integrity. Our Galbani Fresh Mozzarella brand has taken great strides to stand out in the category in this respect. This is important to consumers, and their interests needs to always lead the way.”
Andrea Corigliano Augustyn – Corporate Brands Manager
The trend: Authenticity
“I’d like to see a move to ‘purpose authenticity’ as crucial across all elements of our industry. Authentic family companies, authentic and minimally processed ingredients, authentic recipes, and above all, authentic, purpose-driven values at food companies. Striving for this quality drives everything we do, and generated the ‘Rosina difference’ we aim to implement in everything we do. Our customers have responded to this for more than 50 years; and at a time where so much seems to be in doubt, brands could make big gains by building genuine trust in their products, services, and operations.”
Erica Lipke – Associate Manager, Social Media
The trend: Amplifying the journey
“I think in 2026 we’ll see the food journey become even more important. People want to know what they’re eating, where it’s from, and what it’s doing for them. Social media is fueling that curiosity because everyone’s talking about food and comparing choices in real time. I also think protein will be a huge focus. Consumers are looking for ways to add more protein into their daily routines, and I can see brands leaning in with new products and messaging around that.”
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