Watch: CPG experts discuss innovation, what’s next in natural foods

“CPG's Next Great Ideas: Top Trends & Innovation Predictions,” a session presented as part of Natural Products Expo East’s Innovation Experience, is packed with analysts and experts presenting data, as well as founders sharing their brands’ stories.

With 25 years’ experience in the food industry, Pete Brennan, VP of Innovation for Mattson, shares an optimistic message that Generation Z will save the world from the sins of its ancestors. Those younger consumers are holding all manufacturers—including those in the food system—responsible for the pollution and environmental damage they cause.

“The consumer is going to remind all of us that we need to be doing more,” Brennan said. “Gen Z is here to let us know that we will be held accountable as food producers, as suppliers,” he said.

SPINS Chief Marketing Officer Dan Buckstaff’s presentation focused on the drop in new product releases since the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by lockdowns, shifts in demand and, most recently, inflation and soaring interest rates.

“Innovation has actually slowed dramatically over the past three years,” Buckstaff said, adding that he expects the natural foods industry to lead the rebound.

“There’s a tremendous amount of innovation happening,” he said, pointing out that exhibitors will show thousands of new products at Natural Products Expo West in the spring. “We’re at an inflection point: We are starting to see signs of a dramatic acceleration of innovation in new items reaching the market.”

Related:Watch: Insights on food service trends, plant-based and more

The session is moderated by Michiel Bakker, vice president of Global Workplace Programs, Google. Other participants include Amanda Hartt, senior manager of Data & Insights, NEXT; Eric Pierce, vice president of Business Insights, New Hope Network; Mark Sorensen, co-founder, Cleanery; and Renee Dunn, founder and CEO, Amazi.

Click here to download the presentation.