Our 2026 FoodTech Trends Report identifies the most influential trends that our global expert network expects to shape the industry in the year ahead. These trends sit across a spectrum of time-to-impact and business impact potential, revealing where companies can expect fast-moving commercial opportunities versus longer-term transformational bets.

The analysis highlights several high-growth platforms already gaining strong momentum — including GLP-1 friendly foods, functional ingredients, hybrid meat and fish, and upcycled ingredients. At the same time, technologies such as AI in product development and precision fermentation are emerging as powerful drivers of long-term disruption.

The report also maps trends tied to manufacturing efficiency, regulatory and retail compliance, and supply-chain resilience, such as sustainable packaging, sodium and sugar reduction, natural colorings, and alternative cocoa and coffee. Together, these insights offer a clear view of where innovation, investment, and competitive advantage are likely to converge in 2026.