Food trends for 2025: Fast Flavour Explosions, Snacking and Everyday Fusion

ICA Sweden has publicized its annual Trend report 2025. The Swedes are ready to take their taste buds on a journey – and this is not only a culinary novelty, but also a signal to the grocery store about what will drive sales forward.

Quick taste: Increased usage of, for example, miso, crispy chili oil, and furikake in everything from soups to salad dressings. And the love for quick sauces with a lot of umami and flavour continues. Some of the flavour enhancers have turned from being specialty foods into commodities.

Snacking: Healthy and creative snacking like hummus bars that are easy to take with you, creative toppings on egg halves, and cottage cheese. It started in restaurants and is now in retail.

Back to basics: Raw materials, fresh ingredients – especially vegetables – take the main role in our meals, at the same time as we hopefully get a little more money to spend.

Fusion with a twist: Mixing the food traditions of different countries to create new taste experiences. Pasta carbonara flavored with miso, banh mi tacos, or a tandoori pizza.

Imperfection: After years of striving for perfection on social media and in the kitchen, we’re ready for a more relaxed approach. 2025 will be the year we embrace the personal and authentic. To invite the neighbours over for a pie with burnt edges, sloppily arranged pasta, or an improvised recipe with what is in the fridge? But a key question is if the Swedes can afford the new trends, as costs have exploded, and overall, the biggest trend right now is “Low prices”!

www.greenseedgroup.com

Alaska and Pacific Northwest Seafood Exports Gain Ground in Ukraine

Amid ongoing global trade shifts, seafood exporters from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest have made notable progress in the Ukrainian market. According to a recent report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the United States has emerged as Ukraine’s third-largest seafood supplier, surpassing pre-conflict export levels. This development reflects the resilience and adaptability of U.S. seafood producers in navigating complex international trade environments.

The increased demand in Ukraine is attributed to a combination of factors, including disruptions in traditional supply chains and a growing consumer preference for high-quality seafood products. U.S. exporters have responded by enhancing their marketing efforts and ensuring a consistent supply to meet Ukraine’s needs. This strategic engagement not only benefits American seafood producers but also contributes to Ukraine’s food security and market diversification.

www.undercurrentnews.com

Sweden’s Infused Dried Fruits Market Trends

Sweden’s infused dried fruits market is experiencing notable growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for healthy and convenient snack options. Infused dried fruits, which are dried fruits enhanced with flavors such as fruit juices or sugars, are gaining popularity among Swedish consumers. These products are commonly used in various applications, including breakfast cereals, bakery items, dairy products, and salads, aligning with the broader trend towards nutritious and flavorful food choices. The market’s expansion is further supported by innovations in product offerings and packaging, catering to the evolving preferences of health-conscious individuals.

According to a market research report by 6Wresearch, the Swedish infused dried fruits market is projected to grow steadily from 2025 to 2031. The report highlights key segments within the market, including fruit types such as raisins, apples, apricots, and mangoes, as well as product types like fruit juice-infused and sugar-infused dried fruits. Additionally, the study examines applications across various food categories and distribution channels, providing a comprehensive overview of the market dynamics. This growth trajectory reflects Sweden’s increasing inclination towards incorporating infused dried fruits into daily diets, driven by their convenience, taste, and nutritional benefits.

www.6wresearch.com

Dried Fruit Market Forecast to Grow Thanks to Health-Conscious Consumers

The dried fruit market grew from $10.98 billion in 2023 to $11.60 billion in 2024, according to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.com. The market is projected to reach $16.20 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.70%.

The main drivers of market growth include health-conscious consumers, the increasing use of dried fruits in processed food products, and their popularity as a healthier gifting alternative.

The dry fruit preservation process helps extend the shelf life of fruit and “concentrates their flavor, sweetness, and nutrients,” a must for consumers worried about health who seek a nutritious snack alternative.

The Americas hold a significant share of the dried fruit market, but according to the report, European Union countries also have a robust market due to ‘high population density, disposable income levels, and awareness of the nutritional benefits of dried fruits.’

The Middle East’s dry fruit market is already established due to its rich history of dried fruit consumption tied to longstanding cultural ties. The report states that The Asia-Pacific region has immense potential for the global dried fruit industry due to “rising consumer awareness about health benefits, an expanding middle class, and urbanization trends that fuel the growth of the dried fruit industry.”

www.freshfruitportal.com

Norwegian Seafood Exports Reach Record High in 2024

In 2024, Norway achieved its highest-ever seafood export value, reaching NOK 175.4 billion, an increase of NOK 3.7 billion (2%) compared to the previous record in 2023. The country exported 2.8 million tonnes of seafood, equating to approximately 38 million meals daily throughout the year. This growth occurred despite challenges such as cod quota reductions, production issues in salmon farming, and global economic fluctuations. Salmon remained the leading export, accounting for NOK 122.9 billion, or 70% of total seafood export value, with significant demand in Asian markets like Thailand, China, Vietnam, and Korea.

While aquaculture products comprised 74% of the export value, wild-caught species like cod and king crab faced difficulties due to quota cuts, leading to decreased volumes but increased prices. Notably, trout exports reached a record NOK 6.8 billion, with Ukraine, the USA, and Thailand as major markets. The largest markets for Norwegian seafood in 2024 were Poland, Denmark, and the USA, with China showing the highest growth in value, increasing by NOK 887 million (10%) compared to the previous year.

www.seafood.mynewsdesk.com

Fish Consumption in the Nordics: A Blend of Tradition and Sustainability

Fish consumption in the Nordic countries reflects a deep-rooted maritime heritage intertwined with contemporary sustainability practices. In Iceland and the Faroe Islands, per capita fish consumption is notably high, with Icelanders consuming approximately 90 kg annually and Faroese residents exceeding 100 kg. These figures underscore the cultural and economic significance of seafood in these regions. Conversely, countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Finland report lower consumption levels, ranging between 14 to 25 kg per person annually. Despite these variations, fish remains an integral component of the Nordic diet, celebrated for its nutritional benefits and cultural importance.

Recent dietary guidelines, such as the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR2023), advocate for a weekly intake of 300–450 grams of fish, emphasizing at least 200 grams of fatty fish due to its health benefits. These recommendations also highlight the importance of sourcing fish from sustainably managed stocks to balance nutritional needs with environmental considerations. Across the Nordics, there’s a growing consumer demand for eco-certified seafood, with labels like MSC and ASC gaining prominence. This shift reflects an increasing awareness of sustainable fishing practices and a commitment to preserving marine ecosystems.

www.all-things-nordic.com

Nordic Diet Gains Global Attention Amid Health and Sustainability Trends

The Nordic diet, rooted in the traditional cuisines of Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden, and Greenland, is experiencing a resurgence in global interest. Characterized by an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients such as seafood, root vegetables, berries, and whole grains, the diet aligns with contemporary health and environmental concerns. Its rise in popularity is attributed to publications like “The Nordic Cookbook” and “The Nordic Way,” which highlight the diet’s potential to reduce chronic illnesses and improve heart health. Additionally, the diet’s focus on sustainability resonates with consumers seeking environmentally friendly eating habits.

Despite its growing appeal, experts suggest that the Nordic diet may not achieve the widespread adoption seen by other regional diets, such as the Mediterranean diet. Factors contributing to this include a perceived lack of a cohesive lifestyle image and the diet’s similarities to existing dietary patterns. Nonetheless, the Nordic diet’s emphasis on nutrient-dense, locally sourced foods positions it as a viable option for health-conscious individuals. As consumers increasingly prioritize wellness and sustainability, the Nordic diet offers a model that integrates traditional eating practices with modern health and environmental considerations.

www.foodnavigator.com

Russian Surimi Production Increased by 40% to 30,000 mt

The pollock fishing season (Season A) in the Sea of Okhotsk, Russia’s primary fishing ground, concluded on April 9th. According to the Pollock Catchers Association (PCA) in Vladivostok, the catch during the A season, spanning from January 1st to April 9th, reached 830,000 mt, marking a 3% increase compared to the same period last year. Approximately 87% of the total allowable catch (TAC) in the sea has been utilized. Surimi production experienced a notable surge of 40%, reaching 30,000 tons.

Across all regions of the Far Eastern basin, the total pollock catch surpassed 1.05 million tons, reflecting an 8.6% increase compared to the previous year.

PCA reports indicate that pollock product manufacturing followed a similar pattern to last year, with Russian fishermen maintaining production volumes of fillet and minced meat at last year’s levels, totaling approximately 60 thousand tons. Meanwhile, marine surimi production continued to rise, increasing by nearly 40% to 30,000 mt during the 2024 “A” season. Overall, frozen pollock production rose by 7% to 397,000 mt.

Source: seafood.media

UzFood 2025

UzFood 2025

April 8-10, 2025

Uzexpocentre NEC, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

UzFood 2025, 24rd International Exhibition on Food, Ingredients and Food Technologies, is the key event in the food industry. Every year the exhibition is attended by leading producers, suppliers and distributors of the food industry representing both national and global food markets.The exhibition is annually visited by top managers of the leading companies, importers and distributors. They are given an opportunity to get acquainted with a great variety of food products and equipment, and to find their partners.

For more information see: www.uzfoodexpo.uz