CHICAGO, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The Food Channel(R) (http//www.foodchannel.com) has released its Top Ten Food Trends for 2009. Based on research conducted by The Food Channel in conjunction with the World Thought Bank (http://www.neemee.com) and the International Food Futurists(TM), the list identifies the significant food movements consumers, foodservice professionals and manufacturers should watch for in the coming year.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081215/AQM531)

"For more than 20 years, the chefs and editors at The Food Channel have tracked emerging and mainstreaming food trends for our work developing food products, ideas and recipes for some of the world's largest food companies," said Kay Logsdon, editor of The Food Channel. "In our new role as consumers' one-stop-shop for all things food, we have decided to share this insider information for the first time."

    Top Ten Food Trends for 2009

    1.  Home on the Range -- Downsized economy breeds new generation of home
        chefs, more food-savvy than their predecessors
    2.  Foodie 2.0 -- Growth of virtual and non-virtual food communities
    3.  Going, Going Green -- Kitchens go eco-conscious
    4.  Living La Vida Locavore -- Eating locally and seasonally, both at home
        and in restaurants
    5.  TMI? -- Is seeing the calorie count on the menu Too Much Information
        (TMI), or will it lead to healthier choices?
    6.  FrankenFood -- The rise of bioengineering and genetically modified
        food; the next evolution of last year's Functional Food trend
    7.  Food Philanthropy -- Individuals and companies address world hunger
    8.  Food Insecurity -- The call for tighter food controls, after the
        tomato and jalapeno scares of 2008
    9.  Brewing Business -- Striking a balance when cost is an issue; the
        divide widens between the exotic and day-to-day food needs
    10. Where in the World ...  -- is the next flavor trend coming from? It's
        all about globalization and variety

"Not surprisingly, the majority of the 2009 trends have a 'value' message, reflecting the downturn in the economy and how the lifestyle around food is affected," said Logsdon. "We live this daily; food is a constant even in a bad economy. Identifying these trends will help us all do a better job of adjusting and even thriving."

Read more about the Top Ten Food Trends for 2009-including additional stories and a bonus trend: Clandestine Cuisine -- at http://www.foodchannel.com. A White Paper with links to the evidence gathered by The Food Channel, World Thought Bank (http://www.neemee.com), and International Food Futurists(TM) is also available on the site or by request from editor@foodchannel.com.

CONTACT

Kay Logsdon, (417) 875-5342/849-7909

editor@foodchannel.com

SOURCE The Food Channel