NCFIL Executive Director’s Perspective: Nov/Dec 2020 

NCFIL Status

The last six weeks we’ve made good progress toward the completion of NCFIL’s steam lines, electrical connections and flooring. We began energizing and programming our processing control panels, which are also near completion. Next week, a contractor will complete pipe insulation, and the facility will be mostly complete until the extruder’s January delivery.

NCFIL Activity

Client activity has been brisk as both entrepreneurs and established companies look to launch new products in 2021. The Product Development Lab and part of the Pilot Plant produced several novel products this month, challenging us to optimize processing parameters. January is forecasted to be very busy in both product development and the pilot plant.

Consumers Take Proactive Approach to Health 

This time of year many journalists and companies reflect on the past year and make predictions for the coming year. We know COVID hit the entire food chain hard, and consumers made changes in their dietary habits that will have lasting effects for themselves and our industry. 

Large agri-business corporation ADM recently shared food trends they believe will shape 2021. Not surprisingly, they predict consumers will continue to take a more proactive approach to nourishing the body and mind. The pandemic has had devastating effects on individuals with predisposing conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These maladies can be controlled by diet, and consumers are now being more deliberate about the foods they consume. 

Plant-Based Foods Expected to Grow

Plant-based foods are expected to grow “beyond the bun.” As more meat and now dairy alternatives become readily available, food manufacturers and consumers will discover more ways to make them the center of the plate. The Specialty Food Association predicts plant-based foods will grow at an annual rate of 10 to 20% through 2024.

Consumers are more actively seeking functional ingredients—like probiotics, prebiotics/fiber, vitamin C, and foods high in carotenoids and polyphenols. Mushrooms, a once lonely food group, are now used to create new snack foods or included in more processed meals. 

Why? Currently, consumers seek foods that support or improve our immune response. Recent information from the University of Chicago and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) demonstrates patients with Vitamin D deficiency had worse symptoms during a COVID infection than those with normal vitamin status. This has sent consumers looking for foods rich in vitamin D and other immune stimulating compounds.

Consumers Seek Sustainability + Transparency 

Several studies propose other trends that will be important in 2021, including sustainability and transparency. Today’s consumers are more concerned about our environment than previous generations. Foods that are renewable resources, like grains, legumes, seaweed and algae, are finding their way to our food products and ultimately our dinner plates. Consumers are more accepting of fruits and vegetables that are mis-shaped or can be upcycled into nutritious ingredients. 

{image=float”right”}Most consumers and companies realize an emphasis on sustainability programs is essential if the environment is expected to survive the next 30 years. Transparency moves in tandem with environmental concerns as the consumer wants companies to identify what they are doing to save the planet. Social programs are also of importance to today’s consumers with buying power.

Good News for NCFIL 

Although the NCFIL has been operational for only a year, we witness these trends as we interface with both entrepreneurs and established companies. Plant-based proteins, snacks, beverages, and meat- and dairy-alternatives are active in our portfolio. It’s a great time for our team to be working in the plant-based food area. Every week has been, and will continue to be, unique as we work with clients to generate the next generation of food ingredients and products.

Here’s to Health in 2021! 

This will be a challenging holiday season as the pandemic continues to impact joyous activities, but we wish our readers good health in the coming year. Eat mindfully and enjoy immensely this season—in limited family gatherings! 

Thank you for reading this month’s perspective. These are the views and opinions of the NCFIL Executive Director and may not reflect the opinion of others at NC State. We welcome your feedback and perspectives.  

The trends we discussed in this perspective are very familiar to the NCFIL team, so let’s talk about how NCFIL can collaborate with you to address how your company can benefit from the trends and launch new products.