Consumers are rejecting the mass-produced and generic and will favour products positioned as simplified and of better quality, with an implied level of status. In the food and beverage industries, the trend is leading to an increased consumption of local ingredients and craft drinks.

Other hot flavor spots along with Asia, include Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Think sambal, gochujang, guasacaca, sofrito, agrodolce, dukkah, and more. These are just a taste of the flavors from around the world spicing up menus all over the country.

Multiple trend reports have pointed to a rapidly expanding interest in the cuisines of North Africa and the Middle East. For product developers wishing to serve this consumer trend, the key to an authentic experience is to unlock the taste and flavor through the ingredients and spices that bring accuracy to the flavor profiles that define these cuisines.

The Global New Products Report from Innova Market Insights found that almond introductions grew in four out of the five key categories for almonds worldwide, including confectionery (22%), snacks (19%) and bakery (17%), as well as bars (16%) and cereal (8%). This growth helped almonds maintain their long-held position as the top nut in global new product introductions.

Today, the internet and the popularity of social media has shortened the timeline to only two or three years from restaurant menus to materialization of new products on grocery shelves.

Companies make efforts to ensure authenticity is part of marketing messages