Q&A: Flavors without Borders: Connecting Global Consumers through Taste
As the world becomes more connected, our shopping habits start to shift. We are learning about new cultures, foods, and traditions, and the interest in experiencing those tastes first-hand is clearly beginning to rise.
We spoke with Echo Yang, Head of R&D Business Development – APAC, to get a better understanding for how global flavors can influence food and beverage innovations back at home.
Q: In your region specifically, what are some of the trending culturally inspired flavors? Are they influencing global flavor innovations?
Echo: Global consumers are raving over bold, spicy tastes, like chili lime. In general, we’re seeing a rise in interest in ingredients that tingle one’s taste buds – which could come from traditional spices or even something like ginger. Brands are seeing this popularity spike and innovating it into teas, seed mixes, and even as a topping for fruits.
Q: As a food manufacturer, what are the market opportunities to develop exciting, globally influenced flavors? What are some of the most popular products?
Echo: Snacks are the ideal opportunity for brands to test out their new flavors. On top of that, it makes the spicy, more intimidating flavor profiles approachable for those who might not do well with intense heat. By seasoning popular snacks with a “wow” factor surprise, you can help customers expand their palette one chip, pretzel, or popped kernel at a time.
Q: How can a formulator account for various other industry trends when creating a globally influenced food or beverage? Can the trends be combined?
Echo: When looking to test out something new, it’s not a bad thing to go the safe route and lean into other trends, such as clean label or plant based. We know that consumers are enjoying these trends, so why not use them to our advantage? This way, people can feel comfortable trying unknown flavors because it’s not all new, there’s a familiarity and trust they can count on.
Q: Are there any challenges brands run into when developing a globally influenced product? If so, how can it be overcome?
Echo: Depending on location, regulations, and a myriad of other factors, sourcing can pose a challenge for brands developing these influenced offerings. Brands will need to have access to the ingredients to create the sought-after flavors, many of which may not be naturally available in all regions. To overcome this, brands can source ingredients with an extended shelf life and greater availability, such as freeze-dried fruits and vegetables.
Q: How does working with Chaucer and its ingredients help brands remain relevant and competitive?
Echo: As I mentioned, freeze-dried ingredients offer more flexibility and versatility. Our ingredient portfolio at Chaucer gives our partners many different forms and types to create the exact flavor their audience wants. In addition, we can involve them in the product development process and help extend product license ranges, if needed.
If you would like to learn more about how globally influenced flavors impact product innovation or want to know what to expect from future flavor experiences, contact us at customer.services@chaucerfoods.com.
References
1 – “Consumers Want to Travel Through Their Taste Buds: Kerry’s 2023 Taste and Nutrition Charts,” Food Industry Executive. 2023.
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