Greg Steltenpohl, CEO, Califia Farms: Clear labeling, sustainable sourcing, functional beverages
Greg Steltenpohl, Califia Farms: ‘Clear labeling’ is a key trend for 2017 and beyond. Transparency will continue to be something we are laser-focused on as more consumers in the conventional channel gravitate to clean and clear labeling – at every level – from the ingredients list all the way to ethical and sustainable sourcing. And of course, the plant-based movement continues to gain traction as the products available to consumers become as appealing in taste and experience, if not more so, than animal based products.
Consumers are also going crazy for functional beverages, whether it’s the clean energy of coffee (especially cold brew), additional plant-based protein, natural nutritional enhancements or a healthy meal replacement. And they don’t want added sugars or unnecessary ingredients.
And, speaking of coffee, consumers, especially millennials are deeply interested in all things coffee, including ethical sourcing, specialty roasts and beans and individually curated experiences, as well as new and innovative and delicious ways of delivering that coffee experience (our Nitro is an example of that trend which led some key coffee buzz in 2016) We’ll be leading these trends in 2017.