The 2024 Food, Beverage, and Lifestyle Trends We’re Most Excited About
It’s December, so that means a few things: the holiday season is in full swing, we’re spending some much needed downtime with family and friends, and a new year is around the corner. As we close out 2023, media outlets are racing to publish their best guesses as to what trends will dominate popular culture (and consequently our spending) in 2024.
We picked the brains of the The James Collective staff to find out which of these predicted trends are garnering the most excitement amongst the team and are also likely to be some of the most impactful themes in the world of food, wine and lifestyle next year.
Drum Roll Please…
In the words of our team here at TJC, the top trends to look out for in 2024 are:
Everything old is new again - “90s and 00s fashion is all the rage, a jazz revival is coming (says Pinterest), and coastal grandma and 'electric grandpa' is here to stay. Remember when we thought everything our parents (and grandparents!) liked was so cringe? Well, it's all back in fashion and I am here for it. I think that wine will soon also fall into this category—with more and more younger consumers becoming interested in this typically, more traditional, drink of choice.” - Kim Elwell, Partner
Little Luxuries - “In the food world (and frankly, beyond), Whole Foods' annual trend showcase hinted at the idea of 'little luxuries.' You don't always have to have an opulent tasting menu--maybe you can just order the caviar with chips. Or if you're me, buy the good butter for your bread.” - Alison Seibert, Principal
Dopamine Decor - “As a self described maximalist, I love everything about this trend. Colors! Patterns! Wallpaper! Clashing! Out with boring white subway tile and in with decor that hits my seratonin receptors with maximum force.” - Erin First, Account Manager
Eating for wellness also being eating for pleasure - “Well & Good predicts 2024 will be the year of food being fuel for heath just as much as it is fuel for pleasure. This is a balance that speaks to my soul and it's wonderful to see it gaining mainstream traction!” - Devinne Zadravec, Account Director
Eating for wellness will be simple - “The tsunami wave of health and wellness trends over the last few years has become overwhelming, and I do think in 2024 we will go back to the basics. Food brands have had to shift their products, and marketing, based off of consumer preferences. Labeling everything as "healthy", "organic", "fat-free", and so on. Althought the real issue is the ingredients list being too long to even read. Simple ingredients, simple foods, and simple products will be recognized and rewarded for bringing consumers two of life's simple pleasures: comfort and joy.” - Taylor Bunch, Account Coordinator
Cafécore - “I love everything about café culture. The warm drinks, jazzy tunes, and community feel create such a cozy atmosphere. Pintrest predicts that in 2024 people will strive to re-create the café experience in their home, with additions like café chalkboards and other coffee shop decor. As a lover of coffee and all things cozy, this is a trend I can definitely get on board with.” - Sarah Mowad, Operations Manager
“More than money” - “As budgeting gets tighter and tighter, it's interesting to hear how consumers are re-evaluating what their perception of value is. With the social and emotional value of a brand becoming more important, I think it'll be interesting to see what consumers claim as "emotionally valuable" when thinking about what products to buy. It's not just about what the product does, it's about how it makes you feel.” - Sean Taylor, Account Manager
Ready to explore how your brand can capitalize on the most popular themes of 2024? Fill out the form below to get started.