Cardamom challenges ginger for status as the go-to functional spice
Implications - Boasting a versatility comparable to ginger, cardamom is quickly becoming the go-to functional spice thanks to its easy incorporation into such a wide variety of culinary staples, both sweet and savory food and beverage experiences. This shift highlights a continually evolving North American palate thanks to a world of influence in regards to flavor, as well as speaking to the mainstream desire to see subtle spice elements incorporated into familiar food and beverage experiences.
Workshop Question - How can you reflect fast-accelerating consumer preferences without alienating less experimental customers?
Trend Themes
1. Functional Spices - Cardamom has gained popularity in North America as a versatile functional spice, indicating a continually evolving palate and a desire to incorporate subtle spicy flavors into familiar dishes.
2. Flavor Variations and Health-consciousness - Consumer preferences expanded to include flavorful and/or healthy alternative products, exemplified by the natural, Non-GMO Betsy's Best Nut and Seed Butters, Jeni's Cocoa Curry Ice Creams, and Unna's Cardamom Crisp Cookies.
3. Unique Alcohol Pairings - Novel flavor pairings are being sought after in the alcoholic beverage industry, as seen with Bullards Spirits creating a subtly sweet gin infused with strawberry, black pepper, and cardamom.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Business professionals in the food and beverage industry can capitalize on the trends of functional spices and health-consciousness by incorporating these flavors into innovative product lines.
2. Alcohol and Beverage - The increasing demand for unique, experimental pairings presents a plethora of opportunities for business professionals in the alcoholic beverage industry to innovate and stand out.
3. Design and Branding - The minimalist branding approach for Portland Sangria's unique summer flavors can offer inspiration for designers and branding professionals to present new and interesting products to the market.
