Stay informed about the factors that explain the advance of the Food and Beverage sector and point to the market’s direction in 2026.
Food and beverage trends for 2026 do not emerge by chance. They are the direct result of a market that is growing, transforming, and responding to consumers who are increasingly attentive to health, the origin of food, and how products are made. The Brazilian Food and Beverage industry—one of the pillars of the national economy—enters 2026 marked by more strategic choices, innovation applied to everyday life, and new demands for sustainability and production efficiency.
In this context, the most recent data help frame the scenario. In 2024, the sector reached R$ 1.277 trillion in revenue and produced 283 million tons, according to the Brazilian Food Industry Association (ABIA). This growth confirms the strength of the domestic market, the expansion of exports, and highlights a central point for the coming years: the sector’s ability to adapt to changes in consumption will be decisive in sustaining this pace of growth.
Consumer Trends for the Food and Beverage Sector in 2026
Among the trends shaping the food and beverage sector in 2026, the consumption of healthier and more natural foods is no longer occasional and has become consistent behavior. Consumers now value simpler labels, fewer artificial additives, and products that offer clear health benefits without sacrificing taste and convenience.
This movement is already evident in the growth of categories such as protein snacks, fiber-enriched pasta, whole-grain products, and ready-made solutions that combine convenience with nutritional value. Products designed for home consumption—easy to store and prepare—are gaining ground amid more dynamic routines, especially in large urban centers.
Beyond functionality, interest is growing in foods that carry meaning. Regional ingredients, artisanal processes, and narratives linked to product origin are gaining prominence, strengthening the emotional connection between brands and consumers. This behavior signals a more conscious form of consumption, where purpose, quality, and transparency go hand in hand.
Gut Health, Functionality, and New Product Formats
Health remains one of the main growth motives in the sector. A study published by Axios indicates that gut health will be among the central focuses of food consumption in 2026, significantly increasing demand for foods rich in fiber, prebiotics, and natural ingredients.
Bread, pasta, functional snacks, and prebiotic beverages are gaining prominence on store shelves, reflecting a consumer who is more aware of the relationship between diet and overall well-being. This interest goes beyond basic nutrition and is connected to prevention, energy, and quality of life that are increasingly present in everyday life.
At the same time, there is a consistent movement to revive traditional and ancestral ingredients such as roots, ancient grains, and naturally sourced fats. These elements reinforce the perception of more authentic foods, connected to culture and food heritage, strengthening conscious consumption and appreciation for “real” food.
Micros and Small Businesses Gain Ground in This Scenario
Within this transforming landscape, micro and small businesses find a significant competitive advantage. Leaner structures allow for greater agility in product development, faster adaptation to emerging trends, and closer relationships with end consumers.
This movement can be seen in the growth of regional brands that begin by serving specific niches, such as functional foods, natural products, plant-based items, or practical solutions for daily consumption. The ability to test formats, flavors, and value propositions more quickly encourages innovation and expands market entry opportunities.
The appreciation of local ingredients and shorter supply chains also contributes to this scenario, strengthening regional economies and creating more transparent connections between producers, industry, and consumers.
Beverage Sector Trends for 2026
Changes in consumer behavior are also clearly reflected in the beverage sector. Functionality, experience, and identity now guide the development of new products, expanding the presence of beverages focused on hydration, natural energy, and health benefits, in line with a more informed and discerning audience.
Products with low sugar content, natural ingredients, and functional appeal are gaining space, along with the reinvention of traditional categories. Wines with more accessible positioning, labels that highlight origin and production processes, as well as premium-positioned spirits with well-defined narratives, align with a consumer interested in quality and experience. In the energy drink segment, there is growing availability of alternatives with more natural formulas and practical formats for different moments of the day.
At the same time, new formats are gaining visibility, especially among younger audiences. Energy gummies and lollipops are emerging as brand extensions and functional solutions that combine practicality with visual appeal, while ready-to-drink beverages reinforce the search for convenience without compromising nutritional and sensory propositions.
In addition, the appreciation of origin, production processes, and sensory experience expands the diversity of beverage portfolios, allowing brands to engage with different consumption occasions—from everyday moments to more sophisticated experiences.
How Trends Impact Product Development in 2026
The trends gaining momentum in 2026 begin to operate in an integrated way. Consumer behavior, product development, packaging choices, and communication strategies are no longer isolated decisions and instead influence one another throughout the entire value chain, from product conception to the final point of contact with the consumer.
| Consumer movement | Impact on product development | Packaging adaptations | Communication direction |
| Search for everyday convenience | Ready-made foods, ready-to-drink beverages, and immediate-consumption solutions | Single-serve packaging, easy to open and carry | Messages focused on convenience, daily routines, and real-life use |
| Valuing health and well-being | Functional products rich in protein, fiber, and natural ingredients | Clear labeling and emphasis on nutritional benefits | Educational communication focused on benefits and transparency |
| Interest in natural ingredients and origin | Use of local, seasonal, and minimally processed ingredients | Design that highlights origin, composition, and production processes | Storytelling centered on provenance, quality, and purpose |
| Growing attention to sustainability | Process redesign and reduced environmental impact | Recyclable, reusable, or low-plastic materials | Narratives linked to environmental responsibility and social commitment |
Source: Market analyses based on reports from ABIA, Euromonitor, NielsenIQ, and Mintel.
As a result, sector growth in the coming year no longer depends on a single factor but is tied to coherence between product, process, and communication. From the outset, development considers how consumers perceive value, integrate products into their routines, and make purchasing decisions.
How to Position Yourself considering Food and Beverage Trends in 2026
Food and beverage trends for 2026 reveal a market that is increasingly attentive to health, sustainability, production efficiency, and consumer experience. Understanding these movements makes it possible to anticipate demand, develop solutions more aligned with the market, and strengthen positioning in an increasingly competitive sector.
As these transformations gain momentum, Anuga Select Brazil consolidates itself as the main meeting point for the Food and Beverage industry in Latin America, bringing together brands, buyers, suppliers, and specialists who are attentive to the changes reshaping the sector.
Want to showcase your solutions, follow the main trends, and connect with decision-makers who influence the future of the Food and Beverage market? Visit the next edition of Anuga Select Brazil and position your brand at the center of the discussions that will define the sector in 2026. Register here.
