Dole Packaged Foods has released its first annual fruit trend report, pointing to major shifts shaping the US FMCG food and beverage market in 2026.
Issued from Westlake Village, California, the report — Fruit Fwd: Fruit, Flavor and the 2026 Feed — maps how fruit is influencing snacking, beverages, mini meals and consumer routines across the United States.
The study positions fruit as more than an ingredient. It frames fruit as a driver of flavour discovery, emotional value and everyday convenience inside US FMCG product development.
Dole highlights five trends it expects to define how consumers choose and consume fruit in the year ahead. Tropical flavours such as mango, pineapple, guava and dragon fruit feature heavily, reflecting stronger demand for global taste profiles and visually engaging food experiences.
Beverages are another major focus. The report links growth in refreshers, mocktails and at-home mixology to fruit-led innovation, noting a sharp rise in tropical flavour launches across US FMCG drinks over the past three years.
Eating habits are also shifting. According to the report, more Americans are replacing traditional meals with snacks or smaller portions, accelerating demand for fruit-based mini meals and single-serve formats that offer flexibility without compromise.
Functional benefits play a growing role. Dole points to rising consumer interest in gut health, immunity and skin wellness, with tropical fruits gaining attention for their perceived nutritional value and digestive benefits.
The final trend centres on “treatonomics” — the idea that snacks are increasingly chosen for emotional reward as well as taste. Fruit-based snacks are positioned as a way for US FMCG brands to deliver indulgence without moving away from everyday wellness cues.
Why It Matters
For US FMCG manufacturers and retailers, the report offers a clear signal on where product development and shelf strategies are heading. Fruit is moving into centre stage across snacks, beverages and convenience formats, driven by lifestyle pressure, flavour curiosity and emotional consumption.
The findings suggest continued momentum for fruit-forward innovation in mainstream grocery, not just niche health categories.
Editor’s note: This article is based on Dole Packaged Foods’ Fruit Fwd: Fruit, Flavor and the 2026 Feed trend report, released January 7, 2026, and supporting consumer research cited by the company.
