Adapting to F&B Industry Trends: The Power of a Robust Staffing Strategy
Across industries, it’s a given that consumer trends will shape—and reshape—business strategy as demand fluctuates and new expectations emerge. The complexities of the food and beverage industry, in particular, have long made it critical for F&B organizations to be acutely responsive to consumer perspectives. With quickly changing consumer demand, influenced by everything from advancing technology to climate change, those who contribute to the F&B supply chain need to be more agile than ever, responsive to trends, and getting ahead of them.
These demands have highlighted the crucial role of well-trained and well-placed talent at all points in the F&B supply chain. A strong staffing strategy will be increasingly vital to helping F&B organizations meet today’s trends.
Let’s look at some of the big ones and how a staffing partner can support:
Meal Kit Delivery Services
Increasingly, Americans have become more comfortable with alternatives to the long-held standard of in-person grocery shopping. Fueled by the growing focus on fast, easy, in-home services—in this era of Uber rides and Netflix surfing—this pivot toward convenience is paving the way for the growth of online meal kit delivery services.
Delivered right to consumers’ doors, meal kit services checked the safety box during COVID, and accelerated this already growing trend. According to data from Adobe, online grocery sales in the U.S. skyrocketed more than 110% in the first month of COVID alone—igniting momentum that hasn’t slowed. Worldwide revenue for meal kit delivery services grew 85% in 2020, reaching more than $18 billion last year—and is projected to hit nearly $44 billion by 2030.
In tandem with this surge, establishing a staffing strategy that prioritizes comprehensive employee training not only ensures minimized food waste and enhanced consumer safety but also optimizes resource utilization. By prioritizing continuous education and skill development among staff, meal kit delivery services can maintain high standards of quality, reduce inefficiencies, and ultimately keep customers satisfied, contributing to the sustained growth and success of the industry.
Plant-Based Diets
At the same time, consumers’ attention to plant-based products is growing as society increasingly learns about the impact of food on everything from the environment to physical health. In fact, recent research found that consumers who transitioned to vegan lifestyles were motivated primarily by the growing consciousness of animal protection, sustainability, and healthy living. This movement is driving F&B organizations to pioneer new products, packaging, and processes. To keep up with the speed and efficiency it takes to enter and lead in a rapidly growing and developing market like this, they need to be fully staffed with talent whose skills and potential match the future of the organization.
In the dynamic landscape of plant-based diets, vertical farming businesses are pivotal in meeting the burgeoning demand for sustainable and healthy food options. Ensuring the safety and integrity of the production process requires meticulous attention to detail, particularly in handling seeds, crops, and equipment to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. An onsite talent support solution provides comprehensive training protocols to ensure employees work safely and efficiently. It allows you to uphold rigorous standards of food safety and spearhead innovation in product development and process optimization, giving you a competitive edge in the evolving market.
Food and Wellness Industries
The F&B and wellness industries also saw closer alignment in the last few years. Particularly during the pandemic, a societal spotlight was shone on the importance of wellness—with many consumers taking the opportunity the crisis brought to reimagine their priorities, including the quality of their physical, mental, and health. That transformation accelerated how consumers are rethinking the role food and beverages could play in their overall wellness—driving demand for clean eating, healthy alternatives, and supplements to boost immune health.
Just as consumers continue enhancing their learning around wellness, organizations must stay just as proactive when it comes to their workforce. Talent must be supported by continuous learning and development opportunities and given the tools and training to stay adaptable to this evolving environment.
Stay on the Leading Edge of F&B Production
In the ever-evolving landscape of F&B production, staying ahead of consumer preferences is crucial for sustained success. From ingredient selection to branding, every aspect of the industry is subject to rapid change driven by global influences. F&B organizations must prioritize talent and invest in a people-centric strategy to maintain competitiveness. This means providing their workforce with essential tools, training, and development opportunities.
Integrity Staffing Solutions specializes in crafting custom staffing strategies tailored to the unique needs of F&B businesses. Contact us today to ensure your organization is equipped with the right talent to navigate the industry’s dynamic challenges and stay on the leading edge of F&B production.
