Vegan, ethical, organic and all natural are claims that consumers are increasingly gravitating towards. This is reflected in the boom in the levels of NPD with such claims to be presented at “The Natural Food Show 2019” in London, UK (7-8 April). Vegan and plant-based trends show no sign of slowing down and an environmentally conscious consumer base is demanding products that deliver both in terms of taste as well as naturalness and transparency.

Innova Market Insights has pegged “The Plant Kingdom” as its number two trend for 2019. For the mainstream consumer, going plant-based is about achieving a healthy and sustainable balance between meat and vegetables, rather than adopting an all-or-nothing way of eating. According to data from Innova Market Insights, there has been more than 45 percent average annual growth in food & beverage launches with a vegan positioning (CAGR, 2013-2017).

Additionally, “Eating For Me” ranks as the number six trend for 2019, as increasingly aware consumers are applying stricter criteria when it comes to their food choices. All natural, organic and plant-based remain popular claims that consumers look for as they are perceived as beneficial to health. At the same time, Natural & Organic Products Europe is to host a “record number of new food and drink launches” this year under its “The Natural Food Show 2019” division. The show is touted as a “must” visit for discovering emerging trends and innovations in the organic food and beverage space. The whole show will feature over 400 natural and organic food and drink exhibitors, 60 percent of whom offer vegan products.  

“With over a third of the show’s pre-registered visitors to date looking to source both vegan and vegetarian food at the show, the Vegan World area provides the perfect hot spot to see and sample the best choice and innovations of the latest vegan food and health products from all over the world – including brands from the UK, Europe, Southeast Asia, Canada and US,” a spokesperson for the event tells FoodIngredientsFirst.

Pronuts by Raw PressHealth and wellbeing brand of organic, raw cold-pressed beverages Raw Press is launching an innovative healthy snack alternative, coined Pronuts. It is a raw, vegan, gluten-free protein snack bar that comes in a donut form, with a base of oats, cashews, dates and hemp protein powder. In addition, the brand is to also showcase a bean-to-bar chocolate icing in three flavors: Matcha, Chocolate and Rose. 

Tony’s Chocolonely has been fighting against slavery in the chocolate industry. The Dutch company will showcase a new range of products, including its new Milk Caramel Sea Salt bar and Dark Almond Sea Salt at the event. The ethical company hopes to lead by example and show the world that chocolate can be made differently in taste, packaging and the way in which we treat cocoa farmers. 

Beverage company Captain Kombucha will showcase its Oh My Gutness drink at the show. This sparkling fruit drink fermented with water kefir grains is full of gut-friendly bacteria, low in calories and dairy-free. It comes in a can and is available in four different flavors: Original, Ginger & Lemon, Atlantic Raspberry and Natural Cola.

German Topas GmbH will showcase its Wheaty Vegan Superhero Burger, seitan patties touted as being juicy and 100 percent organic, dairy-free, egg-free and palm oil free. 

The UK’s largest fully certified organic supermarket, Planet Organic is to launch its Nut Butter cups in three flavors, including hazelnut, peanut and almond. Made with premium raw chocolate that has been cold-pressed to preserve the cacao’s nutrients, the products boast a creamy roasted nut butter center. On top of being organic, gluten-free, vegan and soy-free, they’re also free from refined sugar. 

US-based vegan brand Upton’s Naturals will present a range of plant-based proteins, including Italian Seitan and Bacon Seitan. Together with Jackfruit and Real Meal Kits, this line also offers foodservice options.

Wheaty Vegan Superhero Burger by Topas GmbHWellness brand Nutritionist’s Blend will showcase FASTING+, a 100 percent natural powder blend which contains healthy fats and foods rich in calorie restriction mimetics. FASTING+ works with how the body naturally fasts to help achieve intermittent fasting goals.

Pomegranate producer Thavmasio Rodi is to launch a Liquid Ruby organic pomegranate juice, derived from trees grown with compost enriched with probiotic microorganisms and fish oil fatty acids. The juice has not gone through any artificial processing, is 100 percent natural and contains no preservatives or additives. 

European manufacturer of organically certified energy drinks Nova Organic Energy will launch its Organic Energy Herbal Blend and Organic Energy Drinks. Made with 1,400mg of bioactive compounds extracted from seven herbal adaptogens, flavors in the range include Passion Mango & Mint, Organic Elderflower & Lime, Pomegranate and Blueberry & Ginger. 

Swiss-based General Mills will introduce its new brand, called Lärabar, to the UK market. It includes a fruit and nut bar that comes in three new flavors, such as Banana Choc Chip, Peanut Butter Choc Chi, and Apple Cinnamon. Founded in 2000 by female entrepreneur Lara Merriken, the brand is 100 percent vegan, gluten-free and contains no added sugars.

UK company Conscious Chocolate has recently re-branded and will launch its new eco-packaging which boasts a recyclable outer, printed with vegetable inks and a water varnish, plus an inner wrapper that is plant-based, as well as a home compostable film. All bars are vegan, organic, soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free and refined sugar-free.