APMEA – Kerry has released its APMEA 2023 annual Taste and Nutrition Charts highlighting the upcoming and emerging flavors for the coming year, as well as top mainstream and key tastes.
According to the charts, flavors inspired by global cuisines and heirloom recipes will propel food and beverage innovations in 2023.
Old cooking practices are also anticipated to resurface as consumers are seen to place more importance in tradition and provenance.
As a result, Kerry notes that ingredients such as nutmeg, ashwagandha, Indian gooseberry and ancient grains will find a new home across snack and beverage applications.
Soumya Nair, Global Consumer Research and Insights Director at Kerry, said: “Flavours have a powerful way to convey a story – particularly when it comes to consumer trends and preferences.
This year we will witness the resurgence of time-honoured traditions and heirloom recipes as consumers crave traditional tastes with new and emerging flavours.”
Consumers will also be on the look out for unconventional combinations of traditional ingredients and emerging taste profiles from other regions, such as black sesame crusted meats, sriracha-spiced cocktails, green tahini, saffron and curry aioli.
“We are seeing how trends are travelling the world – with Asian flavours such as Cardamom, Japanese Miso, Gooseberry and Hawthorn, reaching Europe and North America, while popular dishes in Europe such as Moroccan Tahini and Italian Bolognaise inspiring innovation in Asia Pacific,” Nair added.
“Consumers are travelling the world through taste and we expect that interest and desire in authenticity to continue.”
A thirst for healthier beverages with functional ingredients is also expected to reach new heights as more and more consumers move towards functionality and simplicity.
According to Harsch Koshti, regional Taste expert for Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, health flavors that convey a health halo, be it added functional ingredients or flavors that imply improved wellness will be the most sought after by health conscious consumers.
“Health continues to be important, as seen in the rise of healthier snacking options, with less sodium and more protein-based launches. Even the Bakery segment is witnessing offerings with reduced sugar claims across key markets,” Koshti said.
Meanwhile, the younger generation is projected to seek familiarity as well as new emerging flavours.
They are expected to combine the two trends to come up with interesting mashups all while indulging in the comfort of the things they grew up with.
Above all, taste is expected to continue reigning supreme as will the top driver when it comes to any choices made in food and beverages.
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