Category
Lifestyle
Gentle Diagnostics
Trend cluster
Category
Mainstream
Caribbean
Flavors and foods of West Indian origin are becoming increasingly popular.
3.1
Trend score
What's Happening
What is the Mainstream Caribbean trend?
Mainstream Caribbean: East Asian flavors and food forms have dominated the mainstream ethnic food space in North America for some time; however, a recent increase in Caribbean influences can be seen across industries, from high-end dining to packaged snacking. Food of West Indian origin focuses on heartiness and refreshing tropical flavors, providing both escapism and comfort.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Mainstream Caribbean trend
Over the pandemic, more people returned to the kitchen to enjoy the exploratory nature of food. Additionally, the emotional aspect of cooking and eating became more important than ever. These dual desires of escapism and comfort were initially satisfied by the online foodie community. Influencers and high-end chefs alike recognized Caribbean food as a winner in this regard. This was further fueled by folks of West Indian origin -- whether currently living in Caribbean countries or not -- looking to both enjoy and share food that is familiar to them, especially in the midst of chaos.
Trend themes
Themes within the Mainstream Caribbean trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Rise of Caribbean cuisine
Caribbean flavors and cuisine are increasingly popular across different industries, from high-end dining to packaged snacks.
02
Cooking at home
More people cooked at home over the pandemic, leading to increased interest in accessible and exploratory cuisine.
03
Plant-based snacks
Consumers are gravitating towards plant-based snack options like Grace Exotic Chips, which are vegan-friendly and sourced from fruits and vegetables.
Industry implications
What the Mainstream Caribbean trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Food and Beverage
Opportunities to craft and/or distribute Caribbean-inspired snack and drink options, especially ones that cater to the plant-based trend.
For
Lifestyle
There is an opportunity to innovate in culinary travel through immersive cultural experiences and food-oriented tours.
For
Alcohol
Distilleries can take inspiration from the ancestral hibiscus drink and incorporate it into new spirits and liqueurs.
Workshop question
How can you tap into the emotional nature of food to expand your customer's palate?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Mainstream Caribbean
Trend score 3.1 out of 10, from popularity 44%, activity 35%, freshness 14%.
Popularity44%
Activity35%
Freshness14%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
South America
Africa
Evidence
Examples of the Mainstream Caribbean trend
4 featured examples from Aug 14, 2022 to Jan 11, 2023CategoryLifestyle
Black-Owned Hibiscus Liqueur Brands
Sorel's Award-Winning Liqueur is Rooted in Black History
The success of Sorel's hibiscus liqueur highlights a potential opportunity for Black-owned brands in the spirits industry.
CategoryLifestyle
Caribbean Cuisine Snack Chips
Grace Exotic Chips Come in Three Crunchy Varieties
Snack manufacturers can innovate their production processes to create unique and authentic Caribbean-inspired snacks that cater to the demand of consumers looking for alternative…
CategoryLifestyle
Chef-Curated Cooking Kits
The New York Times Launched Cooking Kits with Three Guest Chefs
The food and beverage industry can leverage chef-curated cooking kits to introduce new flavors and products to consumers in a convenient and accessible way.
CategoryLifestyle
Meaty Caribbean Hand Pies
Trader Joe's New Jamaican Style Beef Patties are the Perfect Snack
Trader Joe's Jamaican Style Beef Patties present a product opportunity and entry point for distributors and grocers to diversify their food offerings with Caribbean-style cuisine…
