2023 Imagery Trends for Food & Bev CPG Brands

We here at Four Course Media are suckers for a good trend report. Whether a look back at what made 2022 so…funky or a forecast of what’s to come in a fresh new year, we’re sitting down and absolutely devouring those articles as soon as they come across our feed. A few weeks into reading about what everyone else thinks is coming down the line for 2023, we’re here to toss our opinions into the ring and talk imagery trends for food and bev CPG brands in 2023. 

We’ve already been working with clients across the board to design shot lists and photo shoot plans for Q1 of 2023 and beyond. Here’s what we’re noticing so far about what our clients want and what we’re predicting everyone will be asking for by the end of 2023: 

Color, color, color!

Gone are the subdued days of millennial pink and demure pastels — 2023 is going to be all about the boldest colors under the rainbow. These louder hues will allow brands to stand out amidst the noise and drive eyes and clicks to their online content, and when used on packaging, they’ll drive sales by standing out on the shelves. Look for lots of pops of color this year, and start thinking now about amping up your brand’s color palette. 

Maximalist Styling

With those bold colors, expect to see a lot of maximalist styling. Crazy props, built out scenes, busy packaging, and more are on the rise as the fashion industry’s gaze turns to the 70s, 80s, and 90s for inspiration. Don’t leave your photos looking empty and boring. Find a content partner who can help you fill the space to make scenes look authentic and lived in. 

Thoughtful, Intentional Imagery

Nobody can afford to be shooting content just because these days. If you’re going to the trouble of finding an agency or photographer to create imagery for you, make sure they’re thinking hard about what the purpose behind each photo they create is going to be. When we craft our client shot lists, we’ve begun asking what the purpose behind each photo will be when that photo is posted or used. Getting into those nitty, gritty details is more important than ever in 2023, as driving sales, clicks, and awareness all offer important ways for brands to gain market shares and sticking power. 

Imagery to Supplement Videos

2022 was the year that video ruled supreme. Because the powers that be seem to have already made up their minds, it’s looking like that won’t change at all in 2023 — even if TikTok gets banned, the Instagram/Meta algorithms are still emphasizing content that moves. Whereas in 2022, we saw a shift to UGC to create this video content, we’re predicting that in 2023, brands will search for a more polished alternative. The easiest and most consistent way to do that is to commission imagery to supplement those videos for cover photos, final frames, and more. This imagery will allow companies to keep their visual branding on point while making the algorithm happy. 

Evergreen Content

Let’s face it — the tightening of the belts that started in 2022 is going to roll over into 2023 even if we wish it wouldn’t. Like late last year, companies and brands are going to be searching for imagery that can last beyond a few weeks. Maybe this means incorporating less packaging if you know a rebrand is on the horizon or staying away from super seasonal images. Either way, think about how to commission imagery that will work for you all year, and find a content partner who understands how to make that work for you.

Want to work with a team that understands all of the above and will set you up for success in 2023? Book a time on our calendar now.