Rich Products, a leading provider of innovative food products to foodservice operators and in-store bakeries across the nation, has announced the launch of Rich's Megatrends: 2024 Food Trends You Need to Know. This digital, on-demand course developed by Rich’s Strategic Insights team examines disruptive macro trends across the food landscape to help industry professionals respond to today’s rapidly evolving marketplace.

The digital program is currently available through Rich’s Academy, a free training and education platform that the company launched in 2023 to help food industry professionals build their skills, tap into industry trends and insights and take courses that qualify for continuing education or units from accrediting organizations. 

“Over 10 years ago, we developed Rich’s MegaTrends as an internal trend and market-tracking program for our leaders and associates,” says Amanda Buonopane, senior manager, Strategic Insights. “After seeing the value it provided our people, informing strategy and key business decisions, we decided to create an external version that would serve as a dynamic educational resource for food industry professionals. We’re seeing more competition, disruption and change in today’s marketplace than ever before, which is being accelerated by socio-economic forces, demographic changes and a shift in purchasing power among younger generations. Businesses must remain ahead of the curve to be successful, and this course is a valuable resource to help them do that.”   

MegaTrends focuses on the latest disruptive consumer trends impacting the food industry, including technology (such as automation and artificial intelligence), sustainability and consumer behavior shifts (such as snacking). From retailers and on-site operators to commercial foodservice, the course is designed to appeal to a broad audience of food professionals.