# Global Cuisine Cooking Ingredients Empire Bespoke Foods Debuted Japanese Cuisine Ingredients By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2026-08-19 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-cuisine-ingredients References: [talkingretail](https://www.talkingretail.com/products-news/grocery/empire-bespoke-foods-extends-sb-range-of-japanese-ingredients-19-08-2026/) & [empirebespokefoods](https://www.empirebespokefoods.com)  Empire Bespoke Foods has announced a new series of Japanese cuisine ingredients in response to consumer demand for products wth a global inspiration. The product line features two [Umami Toppings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/umami-everything) including the Crunchy Garlic Spicy and the Crunchy Garlic Mild that are optimal for a range of international and continental cuisine options. The Umeboshi Paste with a Salt Pickled Plum recipe is offered alongside the Yuzu Miso Paste for a citrus-driven take on a classic. The products are easy and accessible enough for consumers to pick up for a wide range of culinary uses. Brand Manager Akash Mittal commented on the new Japanese cuisine ingredients from Empire Bespoke Foods saying, "With Japanese food now one of the fastest growing cuisines in UK World Food aisles, there’s never been a better time to capitalise on this trend. These exciting new ingredients are an easy and convenient way to add truly authentic flavours to a wide range of dishes, from Asian cuisine to Western favourites.” ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.5/10 - Popularity: 68% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 91% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Accessible Global Flavor:** Shelf-stable international ingredients are making restaurant-style regional tastes more approachable for home cooks, creating room for simplified formats that bridge authenticity and everyday convenience. - **Japanese Pantry Staples:** Growing interest in Japanese cuisine is expanding demand beyond sauces and noodles into pastes, toppings, and condiments that bring deeper cultural specificity to mainstream grocery aisles. - **Fusion-friendly Condiments:** Versatile umami-rich products are supporting cross-cuisine experimentation, opening space for ingredients designed to enhance both traditional Asian dishes and familiar Western meals. ### Where This Applies - **Specialty Food:** Premium imported and globally inspired pantry products are reshaping specialty retail with accessible formats that translate niche culinary traditions into mass-market appeal. - **Grocery Retail:** World food aisles are becoming discovery zones for consumers seeking convenient international cooking solutions, giving retailers differentiated opportunities through curated cuisine-led assortments. - **Condiments and Sauces:** Flavor boosters such as miso pastes, fruit-based pastes, and crunchy toppings are broadening the category from meal accompaniments into multifunctional cooking ingredients. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Premium Strawberry Preserves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strawberry-preserves.md) - [Pan-Asian Ready Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sainsburys-4.md) - [Culinary-Inspired Syrups Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/culinaryinspired-syrup.md) - [Japanese Cuisine Snack Mixes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yuzu-zest-japanese-tempura-veggie-mix.md) - [Boldly Flavored Frozen Dumplings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ajinomoto-dumpling-lineup.md) - [Pan-Asian Cuisine Meal Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/master-cook-meal-kits.md) - [Plant-Based Meal Seasoning Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bosh-seasonings.md) - [Signature Chef Noodle Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/momofuku-goods-noodles.md) - [Middle Eastern Cuisine Pickles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mrs-elswood-made-for-mezze.md)