Comax Flavors Reveals Flavor Trends For 2016
There is a dizzying amount of food and beverage choices available in the marketplace. Today’s consumers continue to seek healthier choices and new culinary experiences. In response to consumers demanding less processed, better-for-you products, Comax Flavors reveals the 2016 Green Goodness and Cup of Tea collections.
As part of the health and wellness lifestyle trend, consumers are looking for natural, less processed, better-for-you products. Naturally, consumers are gravitating toward green vegetables and fruits, putting them in the limelight. Preparations range from raw and cold-pressed to cooked and grilled. Supported by the waste management and sustainability trend, stem-to-root cooking is gaining momentum, which is also contributing to the growth of green produce. “There’s been a gradual increase in green-themed products and to tap into this trend and meet the demand for green vegetables and fruits, we created a unique green range,” states Catherine Armstrong, Vice President of Corporate Communications for Comax Flavors.
Retail sales of tea and Ready-To-Drink tea are reported to be growing. The Tea Association of the USA cited that 85% of tea consumed in America is iced tea, and loose leaf iced tea is gaining in popularity. The popularity of tea has lead to a focus on specialty tea, namely Matcha. U.S. retail sales of Matcha green tea powder reached about 55% in 2014. This tea trend is further evidenced by The National Restaurant Association’s annual “What’s Hot 2015 Culinary Forecast,” which revealed specialty ice tea such as flavored tea and matcha as trending in non-alcoholic beverages. “To address consumers’ affinity for tea with healthful benefits, we developed a variety of emerging tea profiles,” says Armstrong.
The recent lift of the US Cuban embargo is creating new opportunities for Americans and propelling Cuba into the public eye. Research by the International Monetary Fund estimates that Cuba is bracing for as many as 10 million American tourists per year versus the 700,000 U.S. tourists it received last year. Air lines, cruise ships and businesses are gearing up for Cuba’s expansion. Cuban culture with a focus on cuisine will be influential in the culinary scene. “As we know, multicultural consumers and the younger generation are driving new flavor profiles. We see Cuba as a natural extension for the next ethnic food inspiration and wanted to offer authentic flavors,” says Armstrong.
‘Customer experience’ is a hot buzzword as brands and services try to capture and engage consumers. Driven by technology, consumers are getting accustomed to sensory experiences; and their desire to actively participate in a myriad of experiences is growing. Consumers seek social, interactive and authentic culinary experiences and chef’s tables are meeting this need. This trend is evidenced by Netflix’s 2015 docu-series Chef’s Table, which profiles renowned international chefs. From the preparation of the ingredients to the plating of their meal, consumers get to go behind the scenes and see chefs in action. “Flavor and texture are key factors in consumers’ culinary experiences. How food and beverages are prepared, such as fermenting, pickling and smoking, is becoming significant. We created an array of flavors based on specific preparations to appeal to a wide audience,” notes Armstrong.
Source: Comax Flavors