Traditional sweet treats are enhanced with the addition of smoky flavors
Implications - Having already made its way into almost every other section of the menu, smoky flavor is now being incorporated into confectionery dishes. This shift highlights the surprising versatility of smoky flavor experiences and suggests a continued opportunity for the expansion of familiar fare with taste profiles once relegated to a singular type of food.
Workshop Question - What unexplored taste experiences can be incorporated into existing products to create new complex flavors?
Trend Themes
1. Smoky Flavors - Smoky flavor is a versatile taste experience being incorporated into an array of food and beverage dishes, including sweets, bringing sophistication rather than just traditional, singular flavor to the table.
2. DIY Kits - DIY sundae kits and customizable collections reveal further possibilities for expansion in the dessert industry, opening up creative opportunities for individuals and companies alike to personalize sweets beyond ready-made options.
3. Focus on Specific Ingredients - Restaurants and cafes are increasingly focusing on specific, seasonal ingredients, as consumers seek more curated or exclusive food experiences. This trend creates a market for entrepreneurs to produce niche ingredients and develop specialties around them.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - The trends mentioned here have major implications for how companies approach product development and marketing for various types of food and beverage, from sweets to DIY kits to special focus on specific ingredients.
2. Hospitality - These trends show how establishments in the hospitality industry can revamp their food offerings to provide more value and satisfy changing tastes and preferences among customers.
3. Retail - As innovation is driving these new trends, there is an opportunity for retailers to leverage them and offer specialized products with rich, unique and flavorful experiences that stand out among their competition.
