Consumers crave escapism in their cuisine
Implications - It's no secret that today's consumer lives a busy life, creating a need for relaxation and escape from the mundane. Consumers who either can't find the time or funds to go on vacation are instead seeking to do so through their cuisine. Oftentimes bordering oddity, these flavors and their large demand show a greater demand for satiated wanderlust, even in its smallest forms.
Trend Themes
1. Exotic Flavors - Consumer demand for unusual and exotic flavors such as sesame seed and seafood in ice creams opens opportunities for product innovation.
2. Sweet and Savory - Sweet and savory combinations attract growing consumer demand as seen in the creation of hybrid drinks and candies like the Ranch Dressing Soda.
3. Spicy Twists - The added interest in spicy flavors as seen in the trend with the Jalapeno Espresso Eggnog, Whiskey Sriracha Caramel Corn, and seafood-flavored ice cream creates opportunities for businesses to experiment with flavor combinations.
Industry Implications
1. Food & Beverage - Innovative flavor combinations, sweet and savory hybrids, and spicy flavor twists create disruption opportunities for the food and beverage sector.
2. Hospitality & Tourism - The growing demand for unique and exotic flavor experiences creates opportunities to explore international cuisines in the hospitality and tourism industry.
3. Retail - The demand for unique and novel products by consumers indicates disruptions possibilities for innovation in the retail industry, particularly in the snack and sweets segment.
