Category
Lifestyle
Assisted Choices
5.0
Trend score
Trend
What is the High-Brow Confection trend?
High-Brow Confection: Battling the idea that sweet indulgences are meant for children, boutique confectioners are infusing these treats with elegance. This combines physical, taste-based indulgence with visual indulgence, providing extra value for older consumers -- Millennials in particular -- for whom indulgence is defined by a connection to status, experience, and value. This multi-leveled approach to the concept of treating oneself grants the penny-pinching Millennial an extra level of permission to indulge.
Trend themes
Themes within the High-Brow Confection trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Artistic Infusion
Boutique confectioners are infusing treats with elegance and artistic elements to cater to millennial consumers.
02
Small-Batch Craze
The trend of small-batch production is spreading through the food industry, and gourmet chocolatiers are leading the way.
03
Experimental Desserts
Experimental, art-infused desserts are quickly becoming the favorites of foodies, with a focus on unusual flavor pairings and artistic presentations.
Industry implications
What the High-Brow Confection trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Gourmet Chocolatiers
Small-batch chocolate shops like FINE & Raw and Chocolates x Brandon Olsen are disrupting the candy industry with their ethical production and artistic designs.
For
Boutique Confectioners
Artistic infusion of luxury desserts is being led by boutique confectioners like Nugateau, Death in Venice Gelato Company, and The Pop Parlour.
For
Experimental Dessert Makers
The new wave of experimental dessert makers like Chocolates x Brandon Olsen and Death in Venice Gelato Company are creating flavors that sound more like gourmet entrees than desserts.
Workshop question
In what ways could you combine different features or elements of your products and services to elevate the experience?
Trend signals
Trend signals for High-Brow Confection
Trend score 5.0 out of 10, from popularity 69%, activity 72%, freshness 8%.
Popularity69%
Activity72%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X (not a primary audience)
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the High-Brow Confection trend
5 featured examples from Jan 31 to Dec 22, 2016CategoryBusiness
Artistic Chocolate Shops
Toronto's Chocolates x Brandon Olsen Serves Up Colorful Hand-Made Bonbons
Innovation opportunities to consistently create new and visually appealing designs and flavors for chocolates to stay ahead of the competition.
CategoryLifestyle
Exclusive Eclair Pastry Shops
'Nugateau' is a Toronto Patisserie Serving Up Fresh Eclairs Daily
Patisserie shops and bakeries can take advantage of the specialty eclair trend by offering unique and elevated pastry options.
CategoryLifestyle
Gourmet Popsicle Shops
'The Pop Parlour' Serve Up Artisan Ice Pops in Orlando
Potential for innovation in the frozen desserts industry by introducing unique and gourmet popsicles to the market.
CategoryLifestyle
Small-Batch Chocolate Shops
Brooklyn's FINE & Raw Makes Artisan Treats from Conscious Ingredients
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Transform the mass-produced food market by offering small-batch, artisanal food products made from conscious ingredients.
CategoryLifestyle
Experimental Gelato Shops
The Death in Venice Gelato Company Serves Up Unusual Flavor Combinations
The food and beverage industry can utilize unconventional flavor combinations, vegan alternatives, and seasonal ingredients to attract and retain customers.
