Japanese desserts adopt unexpected flavors inspired by the regional sweet potato
Implications - Drawing inspiration from the Japanese Annou Imo, a luxurious sweet potato known for its delectable taste, beverage and dessert brands from the region are adapting the flavor and aroma of the sought-after spud. Celebrating the local bounty, consumers are enjoying the enticing flavor of this yam in new ways, through unexpected formats including sweets and drinks that demonstrate the innovative flavor reversal of Japanese culture. This emerging ingredient draws out the importance of healthy indulgences influencing modern consumers and the next generation of flavor seekers.
Workshop Question - How can your next innovation also serve to celebrate the identity of your consumers?
Trend Themes
1. Vegetable Desserts - Vegetables are being introduced as a savory-sweet flavor variation, creating disruptive innovation opportunities for desserts.
2. Regional Flavor Inspiration - Beverage brands are adapting the flavor and aroma of sought-after local ingredients, such as Japanese sweet potato, to create innovative flavors and products for the modern consumer.
3. Healthy Indulgences - The emergence of healthy indulgences is influencing modern consumers and creating disruptive innovation opportunities in the food and beverage industry.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - The food and beverage industry can explore innovative flavor combinations using vegetables and introduce regional flavors to create new products.
2. Convenience Stores - Convenience stores can tap into the trend of healthy indulgences by offering desserts made with vegetables and other healthy ingredients.
3. Coffee Shops - Coffee shops can explore new flavors and ingredients such as sweet potato to create unique drinks and attract customers looking for something different.
