Sweets are added to unconventional food items for experiential allure
Implications - No longer satisfied with traditional consumption, consumers, particularly those of a younger generation, are turning to obscure food pairings for experiential allure. Adding sweets like cotton candy to savory dishes and beverages, consumers are seeking to not only heighten flavor, but also to add an element of intrigue to typically ordinary meals. This reflects a growing desire to constantly adapt and alter routine.
Workshop Question - How can you repackage your offering in a completely unexpected way?
Trend Themes
1. Experiential Food Pairings - Younger generation seeking to heighten flavor and add an element of intrigue to typically ordinary meals.
2. Hybrid Foods - Innovators creating innovative food pairings like meaty cotton candy confections, yam-shaped ice creams.
3. Flavor Innovation - Trend of combining traditional savory foods with sweets like the cotton candy beverage and cotton candy shooters.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage Industry - Opportunity to create unique hybrid food items by combining traditional foods with sweets or other unexpected flavor profiles.
2. Hospitality Industry - Experiential dining options can be introduced to appeal to younger generations of diners seeking playful and imaginative restaurant experiences.
3. Consumer Goods Industry - Manufacturers and distributors can create unique and adventurous new products based on trending consumer preferences, such as the desire for experiential food and flavor innovation.
