Propelling Almonds Into the Future at IFT FIRST

The Almond Board of California’s (ABC) global food professional team attended IFT FIRST, a reimagined, virtual take on IFT’s annual event. FIRST provided a forum for the team to attend educational sessions that explored the overarching theme of the event, “Zero Hunger: Will we get there?” and engage with FIRST attendees via the ABC Supplier Suite. 

By visiting the Supplier Suite, attendees could schedule one-on-one meetings with ABC and access a variety of newly developed resources, including: 

• The on-demand session, “Propelling Product Innovation from Mainstream to Next Level,” in which research chef Rob Corliss from All Things Epicurean and Director of Innovation Lu Ann Williams from Innova Market Insights dived into the 2020 almond global new products data and looked ahead to future opportunities with product innovation. 
• Five future-forward almond formulations developed and showcased by Chef Rob: 

  • All-Purpose Almond Umami Sauce 

  • Almond Milk Elderberry Boost Juice 

  • Garden Veggie Almond Snack Clusters 

  • Harissa Apricot Almond Bars 

  • Vegan Almond Queso 

• Downloadable collateral like the 2020 Global New Products infographic, the latest nutrition research and sustainability information, and recipe cards for the five almond formulations showcased. 

• Three videos from Chef Rob Corliss sharing tips and tricks when formulating with almonds: 

• Maximizing Protein Content: Harissa Almond Apricot Bars 

• Almond Roasting for Added Crunch: Garden Veggie Almond Snack Clusters 

• Uses for Different Forms: Almond Milk Elderberry Boost Juice & All-Purpose Almond Umami Sauce 

Chef Rob’s three recipe formulation videos earned a combined total of 630 views. The almond forms-focused video received the most views (485) showcasing how the versatility of almonds continues to be a high area of interest for product formulators. The resources on the ABC Supplier Suite will remain available to registered FIRST attendees for the coming year. The recipes are now available on Almonds.com and will be promoted through upcoming eNewletters and media inquiries.   

In addition to the educational sessions, IFT FIRST provided daily trends sessions highlighting top consumer, flavor, menu and product trends. Top insights included: 

• Datassentials “Trends Shaping What Consumers Choose, Buy and Eat” 

• Plant-based milks dominated the beverage category in 2020 

• Immunity boosting food and beverages have seen an increase in popularity 

• 54% of consumers recognize that food and beverage choices affect their mood 

• Mintel Market Insights “Kitchen Fatigue” 

• Consumers are looking for products that combine “indulgence” and “health” especially when it comes to snacking 

• Innova Market Insights “Health and Wellness Trends: Post- COVID-19 Impact on New Product Development in Food” 

• 59% of global new food and beverage launches tracked “functional” as part of the product name 

• 39% of all new products with a functional claim were beverages 

• 23% of global consumers consumed food or drink that improved their mental wellbeing to stay healthy during COVID 

• 83% agree having a healthy diet can build immunity  

• Health also means “healthy planet,” with 42% of global consumers agreeing that a product is not healthy if it is not sustainable 

Media coverage of ABC’s participation at IFT FIRST focused on the data presented in the 2020 Global New Products infographic and was included in dedicated stories published by Prepared Foods and Candy & Snack Today. ABC is expecting additional coverage of the 2020 Global New Products data in an upcoming Food Technology piece. Combined, these three stories will help ABC reach its media impressions goal. 

Looking ahead, IFT organizers anticipate hosting the conference in-person in Chicago in July 2022.