U.S. Food and Beverage Trends to Watch in 2013

GLENDALE, Calif. -- Consumers can expect a variety of domestic food and beverage trends in the coming year, according to Glendale, Calif.-based Nestlé USA, which recently issued predictions for 2013.

"It's clear to us that consumers are much more health conscious today than ever before," noted Paul Grimwood, chairman and CEO of Nestlé USA. "At the same time, that doesn't mean people have to sacrifice taste or pleasure. At Nestlé, we operate the largest research and development network of any food company in the world, and we are always striving to find new and innovative ways to help consumers lead healthier and more enjoyable lives."

Nestlé expects the following trends to gain traction among U.S. consumers in the new year:

• Make It Where You Sell It. Food companies will invest more money in regional production of frozen and prepared foods to ensure freshness and convenience for customers.
• Soda Goes Flat. Bottled water is poised to take more market share away from carbonated soft drinks. Expect bottled water to outsell soda in grocery stores of many major U.S. markets.
• All About the Kids. The emphasis on better health and nutrition filters down to the youngest consumers. Recent data shows that children's eating patterns are fully formed by age two, so starting them off on the right path is crucial.
• Pull Over for Pups. As the culinary world embraces pop-up eateries, food trucks for dogs will also gain popularity as a way for owners to show love for their pets during mealtime.
• Comfort Food Grows Up. Look for new, simple twists on childhood favorites, which will be further deconstructed, modernized and signaturized with specialty ingredients and interesting presentations.
• Changing Faces, Changing Tastes. With more than 85 percent of the U.S. population growth coming from multicultural segments, food companies will concentrate on connecting with consumers' ethnicity.
• Veggies in Vogue. As food companies continue to make progress in increasing the nutritional value of food, vegetables will champion the main course.

These trends were compiled across Nestlé in the United States, which consists of five main businesses: Nestlé USA, Nestlé Purina PetCare Co., Nestlé Waters North America, Nestlé Nutrition and Nestlé Professional.