Consumer Trends in the Flavor Industry

ALL new flavor developments in the industry are driven by consumer insights. The ongoing studies on flavor trends and engaging themselves with the end consumers will provide the manufacturers an edge to retain and grow the market share. Generally the flavor trends are cyclical in nature. The growing significance of ethical flavors and health centric flavors is a lucid example of this fact. In order to sustain in the highly dynamic flavors market, companies are focusing on improving the technologies that enhances shelf life, flavor potency and physical characteristics of flavor formulations to support the modern trends. The combination of trends and technological innovations will improve the end product, then customer satisfaction and sales growth that effects in market share.

Appealing to Consumers

Flavors have advanced in many ways. It's not just the basic chocolate or vanilla flavors anymore. Now, it's the combination of white chocolate with cranberries or Tahitian vanilla with honey. Consumer palates have become more sophisticated resulting in transforming flavor blending to become more advanced and consumer centric. Neither the industry nor the consumers, however, seem to be quite satisfied with the existing range of flavors. The search of novel and exotic flavors seems to be a perpetual one. Emotions are playing a vital role in flavor choices. Not only good taste can determine the flavor preference, but it also has to appeal to the mood the consumer wants to feel. Marketers are trying to link the flavors into emotions like curry for thrilling, chocolate for pleasure, champagne for luxury, and more. Appealing to the flavor demands of the consumer is a challenge that exists in the present scenario. Majority of the flavor companies are taking efforts towards better understanding their consumers. The manufacturers have realized that understanding consumer preference is the key to success in the market. Consequently majority of the companies are extensively engaged in doing their own internal research, surveys and consumer panels. They do a lot of flavor tracking from trade shows and exhibitions. Also they get specialized customer requests for creating new flavor blends. They do track the flavors currently selling in the market place and combine all of these with their long-term experience to predict future market and flavor trends.

Flavor Trends

Consumers are increasingly adventurous in their flavor preferences and involved in more flavor experiences. This resulted in the success of the following trends. Exotic flavors. Exotic and unusual combinations of flavors are creating waves in the market and this is one of the major trends in the market for this year. This trend is driven by customer willingness to try new and unique combinations of flavors. It's a challenging task for the flavor companies to understand their preferences and give them the right flavors at right time. McCormick, the global seasonings and flavor company, forecasts the top ten flavors of the season. In 2007, these "Flavor Pairings" included Clove and Green Apple, Thyme and Tangerine, Tellicherry Black Pepper and Berry, Sea Salt and Smoked Tea, Lavender and Honey, Crystallized Ginger and Salted Pistachio, Cumin and Apricot, Toasted Mustard and Fennel Seeds, Wasabi and Maple, and Caramelized Garlic and Riesling Vinegar. Ethnic flavors.Ethnic foods trend continues to gain popularity in United States. Sauces, condiments & dressings are leading the U.S ethnic foods category. Under this category, Chinese and other Asian ethnic foods are leading the way. The modern consumers have started buying more ethical or socially responsible grocery items. This trend is likely to boost the innovation of many ethnic flavors in the market. Health and wellness. Baby Boomers are creating a huAir Max 95 20th Anniversary