# Crossover Cuisine Food lovers embrace sushi all over the world, devise new interpretations. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Jun 30, 2012, updated Jul 11, 2012 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/crossover-cuisine ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.6/10 - Evidence articles: 10 ## What is the Crossover Cuisine trend? **Crossover Cuisine:** Sushi is becoming a globalized cuisine, as more and more Western cultures embrace the food with open arms. While at first Westerners did not particularly understand the concept of eating raw fish and seasoned rice together, over the course of the past few decades, it has become one of most beloved types of cuisine, with an increasing number of sushi restaurants and innovations sprouting up all over North America. According to Food & Wine, the number of sushi bars in the United States quintupled between 1988 and 1998, and it has kept on growing. With sushi's growing popularity, consumers are also getting crafty and recreating their own versions of the cuisine as well as sushi-inspired innovations, such as dessert-style sushi, rice-rolling machines and more. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 10 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 27, 2011 to Jun 21, 2012 - Published: Jun 30, 2012 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Crossover Cuisine trend ### Globalization of Sushi Western cultures adapting to Sushi and developing their own variations and innovations, such as dessert-style sushi, giant sushi, sushi-inspired clothing and accessories, and sweet maki-inspired bites. ### Sustainable Seafood Businesses like Bamboo Sushi asserting that they are environmentally sustainable and healthy who have recognized the scarcity of seafood while retaining a reasonable price point. ### Insects as a Sustainable Source of Protein Insects are currently being explored as both sources of protein and nutritional value within the world of food. The creative branding of companies like Ento is proving to be excellent marketing, highlighting the need to encourage people to eat insects. ## What the Crossover Cuisine trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage As chefs and foodies continue to innovate with sushi, it’s important for current and aspiring restaurant owners to stay on top of trends and embrace new flavors and culinary techniques. ### For Fashion Designers continue to get inspired by sushi's presentation and the existing subculture around sushi. The growth of sushi into popular culture influences fashion trends that range from sushi-inspired toys and winter clothing to novelty socks. ### For Environmentalism As consumers become more conscious of the impact of their food choices on the environment, businesses must address these concerns as they promote themselves as environmentally friendly like Bamboo Sushi, as well as find eco-friendly packaging solutions for their products. ## Trend signals for Crossover Cuisine Trend score 4.6 out of 10, from popularity 64%, activity 65%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 64% - Activity: 65% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Crossover Cuisine trend 10 featured examples from Aug 27, 2011 to Jun 21, 2012. - [Lunchbox Maki Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wakasu-portable-sushi-maker): The Wakasu Portable Sushi Maker Molds Homemade Meals into Fun (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Introducing new designs and technologies in food storage and packaging to cater to the needs of homemade lunch enthusiasts. - [Edible Insect Sushi](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Ento-Insect-Sushi1): Ento Uses Creative Branding to Encourage Eating Creepy Crawlers (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by incorporating insect-based products into their offerings and marketing them as sustainable protei… - [Sweet Sushi Playthings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sushi-toy): The Fakir Design Sushi Toy is an Adorable Delight (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy industry can incorporate popular culture and cultural foods to create novelty toys that bring in new audiences and expand on trends. - [Rice Roll-Making Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suzumo-inari-sushi-robot): The Suzumo Inari Sushi Robot is Seriously Efficient (Category: Tech) Implication: The demand for rice roll-making machines like the Suzumo Inari Sushi Robot creates opportunities for the food service equipment industry to innovate and develop more efficient and… - [Melting Maki Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sushi-ice-cream-cupcakes): These Sushi Ice Cream Cupcakes are a Cute and Kitschy Way to Beat the Heat (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The ice cream and frozen treats industry can capitalize on the fusion of sushi and desserts by exploring new flavor combinations and unique presentation techniques. - [Ridiculously Large Rolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/giant-sushi): Giant Sushi is Taking Over in Japan Among Diehard Fish Fans (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Introducing giant sushi rolls as a unique and attention-grabbing dining concept to attract customers. - [Ethical Sashimi](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bamboo-sushi): Bamboo Sushi in Portland is a Certified B Corp That Values the Environment (Category: Social Good) Implication: The sustainable sushi trend is disrupting the traditional sushi restaurant industry, highlighting the benefits of transparency and accountability for sustainable, ethical consumpt… - [Sweet Maki-Inspired Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sushi-cake-pops): These Sushi Cake Pops are Almost too Darling to Nibble (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore innovative ways to incorporate sushi-inspired desserts into their menus, attracting new customers. - [Zombie Food Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/body-parts-sushi-gummy-candy): The 'Body Parts Sushi Gummy Candy' Assumes the Undead Have Sophisticated Taste (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food industry can explore new markets by developing unique snacks targeted at niche consumer segments like zombie enthusiasts. - [Maki-Inspired Winter Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sushi-scarf): The Sushi Scarf Rolls and Unrolls for Easy Storage (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for fashion brands to incorporate food-inspired designs into their collections. ## Recent trend clusters - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Calm Monitoring](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/calm-monitoring) (Lifestyle) - [Performance Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/performance-powders) (Lifestyle) - [Task Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/task-beverages) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Rapid Concussion Screening Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infrared-eye-tracking) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)