As part of a Q and A with Gulfood, we were asked a number of questions about our thoughts regarding food and drink in the future. Here’s what we had to say:

What are the key trends you are witnessing in your sector? How are you adapting/setting these trends?

The growing trends of course include the rise of products which cater to those with restrictive dietary requirements, and sustainability. To give an example, vegetable, pulse and bread chips (which includes chickpeas) saw the highest value growth in 2018, of 40%, reaching £91million in market value. This growth is part of a consistent trend, with 130.8% volume growth in sales between 2013 and 2018, with forecasted further growth of 59.5% by 2023, representing £229.1 million in sales by 2023. This data is correct according to the Euromonitor International report on Savoury Snacks in the United Kingdom. This rise in ‘healthy snacking alternatives’ is evident. At Truede, this has always been our goal, and so we’re well placed to take advantage of this growing demand.

What are your objectives for Gulfood 2020?

We exhibited last year for the first time and met a number of great partners and wish to meet more over 2020 too. It’s been a very educational show learning about all sectors and their future plans for sustainability and growth.

The demand for alternative foods are on a rise. How do you see the role of conventional foods being transformed and what are the benefits?

It’s important to consider why this demand for alternative foods is happening. Vegetarianism and veganism are on the rise, people are, overall, much more educated about how their food is made. The demand is for natural ingredients, and it is predicted that people will become more likely to eat plant-based foods while cutting back on meat. Conventional foods either need to take this into consideration and adjust or investigate alternative methods of production. However, this demand is a beneficial thing, both for the health of consumers and the environment.

Food sustainability is a growing concern worldwide. In this regard, please share your view on how the industry/companies can create a more sustainable food system? Additionally, how is your organisation contributing towards food sustainability (any recent initiative or efforts that the company might have done in this area)?

Sustainability is one of the most important considerations the food and drinks industry can make. A sustainable food and drinks industry promote a better standard of health for people, secures the fair treatment of those in production and works to stop and even reverse the damage that has been done to our environment. We use natural ingredients in the production of our goods and use less waste, among other things. We also use recyclable packaging.

Gulfood 2020 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Gulfood describe themselves as “the place to experience all the key moments driving the F&B industry forward and to see all the mega-trends come alive, like never before” and we’re excited to be exhibiting for the second time! You can find out more here.

At the show we will be launching our chickpeas range. Simple ingredients, bursting with flavour. That’s always been our mission and you can see it in our range of roasted chickpeas. Our chickpeas are an excellent nut and gluten-free source of protein and fibre. We’ve produced a variety of flavours, from chilli roasted to sweeter options such as sesame and honey.