There are many components which make a successful food and beverage product: from delicious taste to compelling texture, and attractive labels and ingredients; producers must first and foremost understand what consumers want to see on the shelves. Be it on-trend creations like matcha martinis or mainstream conceptions like sriracha flavoured snacks, staying abreast of current trends is a must for producers to remain on the competitive edge.
Kerry’s 2023 Taste and Nutrition charts have analysed the elements influencing food and beverage demand for the year ahead. This includes nutrition and ingredient insights on trending themes and claims, as well as health ingredients. Across the board, the report has identified four key trends that producers would do well to watch out for:
Maximising Taste seizes upon advances in taste and texture technologies to deliver the same taste experiences and flavour intensities that consumers enjoy — if not more so. For example, according to Kerry APMEA, taste can be enhanced using ingredients like jaggery, and vanilla undertones.
For Roots & Origins, Kerry APMEA explained that traditional practices, heirloom flavours, ingredients and recipes are experiencing a revival, with post-modern food coming full circle to authentic, wholesome experiences. Asia-Pacific markets, where influence comes
not just from the West but also sub-markets within these regions, are inspiring flavours globally.
Off The Reel, on the other hand, zooms in on the influence of social media on food and beverage trends. Extravagant creations dressed with abundant toppings, ingredients and sprinkles have garnered the attention of consumers as they look great on photos
and carry a nostalgic factor. The COVID-19 pandemic has made TikTok a pivotal platform in the industry, with its visual format serving as a creative outlet for new flavour pairings such as matcha martini.
Last but not least, Joy in Simple Things pairs the fresh and the novel with familiar and comfort flavours which bring simple joy to consumers. According to a report by FMCG Gurus, 54% of APAC consumers say that traditional flavours most influence their food and drink choices.
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