# Elevated Citrus Meyer lemon emerges dominant as a gourmet citrus flavor. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Jul 4, 2017 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/elevated-citrus ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.2/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Elevated Citrus trend? **Elevated Citrus:** Revered for their sweetness, versatility and the more complex fragrance experience of its rind that borders on that of a herb or spice, Meyer lemons are emerging as a favorite ingredient, even in raw form. This shift highlights the continued emphasis placed on seasonal ingredients that boast expanded functionality and which speak to more complex consumer palates. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 17, 2016 to Apr 19, 2017 - Published: Jul 4, 2017 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Elevated Citrus trend ### Seasonal Ingredients The continued emphasis placed on seasonal ingredients that boast expanded functionality and which speak to more complex consumer palates provide an opportunity for companies to create various products using fresh ingredients. ### Revival of Traditional Foods With consumers looking for more health-conscious and unique options, traditional foods like Rooibos tea have the opportunity to be revived and rebranded in different forms to appeal to emerging markets. ### Functional Beverages As consumers search for alternatives to alcohol and sugary drinks, functional beverages that offer health benefits like tonic-infused sparkling water and MetaMatcha provide business opportunities. ## What the Elevated Citrus trend means for industry ### For Food Products Companies in the food industry can explore creating fresh premium relishes, gourmet spreads and portable tart snacks that reflect the trends of using seasonal ingredients, health-consciousness and ease of consumption. ### For Beverage Rebranding traditional drinks like Rooibos tea and introducing functional beverages like sparkling bitters can provide consumers with a caffeine-heavy, healthy alternatives to sugary carbonated drinks and alcoholic beverages. ### For Artisanal Products Through innovative exploration of traditional flavors and unique ingredients, small start-up companies can create artisanal products that appeal to consumers looking for unique flavors, health benefits, and seasonal ingredients. ## Workshop question What seasonal ingredients can be leveraged to communicate your brand's dedication to freshness and nature? ## Trend signals for Elevated Citrus Trend score 2.2 out of 10, from popularity 26%, activity 31%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 26% - Activity: 31% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Elevated Citrus trend 6 featured examples from Jan 17, 2016 to Apr 19, 2017. - [Fruity Matcha Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drink-matcha): 'MetaMatcha' Offers a Flavorful and Potent Way to Drink Matcha (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The beverage industry can capitalize on the trend of fruity matcha beverages by creating new flavor combinations and marketing them as refreshing and healthy options. - [Tonic-Infused Sparkling Water](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sparkling-water-flavored): 'Sparkling Bitters' Makes Sparkling Water Flavored with Bitters (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The beverage industry can explore the creation of tonic-infused sparkling water products to cater to health-conscious consumers looking for unique and refreshing drinks. - [Rooibos Iced Teas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rooibos-tea): This Rooibos Tea Branding is Inspired by Its South African Roots (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Exploring new flavors, formats, and health-focused beverages to meet consumer demand. - [Gourmet Blood Orange Spreads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blood-orange-marmalade): This Happy Girl Kitchen Two-Pack Includes a Blood Orange Marmalade (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for manufacturers to develop innovative spreads and jams. - [Premium Meyer Lemon Relishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lemon-relish): This Meyer Lemon Relish from Akka's Handcrafted Foods is Tangy (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The gourmet food industry can capitalize on the popularity of artisanal condiments that elevate everyday dishes with unique flavors. - [Portable Tart Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tart-cups): Hail Merry's Tart Cups are Sold in Packs of Two Like Snack Bars (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Snack food industry can explore the production of single-serve tart snacks to cater to the convenience-focused consumer. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (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) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)