Imbibe wrapped up 2021 by reflecting on the past year and how it has affected the food and beverage industry.

America’s younger generations, Gen Z and Millennials, are putting their money where their mouths are by placing personal and planet health as top priorities.

Consumers are being more selective when choosing snacks or drinks with just over 28.1% of all consumers reporting that staying at home during the pandemic has led to them eating more healthily. Younger consumers were the largest groups to report this with 35.7% of those 19 and under reporting dietary improvements.* The pandemic has inspired these trends we’ve identified for 2022 and beyond.

Compassionate Consumption
Compassionate Consumption: While global headlines are consistently filled with climate change and sustainability matters, Gen Z’s passion for more environmentally safe manufacturing practices and products have inspired older generations to also start consuming products shaped by these values. In 2021, 78% of people are more likely to purchase a product if it is clearly labeled as “environmentally friendly”, according to a survey by GreenPrint.