TikTok's influence on popular culture extends to the food industry, impacting what people eat, as supermarkets now look to social media for trends.
Matcha lattes and the 'Dubai chocolate' bar are examples of food items that gained popularity through TikTok and are now featured in major chains like Pret a Manger and Greggs.
Supermarkets are utilizing artificial intelligence tools to quickly adapt to online food trends, leading to faster product development and shorter time to market.
However, global food producers are facing challenges meeting the sudden demand spikes caused by social media trends, leading to shortages and price increases in products like pistachios.
The popularity of items like the Dubai chocolate bar has led to shortages in ingredients like pistachios, despite efforts to expand production in countries like the US.
In the matcha industry, demand surges have caused supply shortages, impacting businesses like a London-based matcha and coffee shop, Frothee.
Environmental concerns arise from the increased demand for water-intensive crops like pistachios, with fears of overuse of groundwater and potential environmental degradation.
Rapidly expanding cultivation driven by social media trends could lead to deforestation and increased reliance on chemicals, impacting soil and water systems.
The fluctuating trends influenced by social media platforms like TikTok pose challenges for businesses navigating supply chain disruptions and environmental impacts.
Adapting to consumer preferences influenced by social media is becoming crucial for food businesses, but they also need to consider the sustainability and ethical implications of these trends.
In summary, while TikTok trends have revolutionized the food industry by shaping consumer preferences and product development, they also present challenges related to supply chain management and environmental sustainability.