The Tokyo Banana was introduced as the souvenir sweet of Tokyo in the early 90s, taking the form of a banana-shaped sponge cake with a banana custard filling.
Inspired by this best-selling souvenir confection in Japan, Nestlé’s KitKat brand is launching the Tokyo Banana x KitKat, which promises to provide "a moist-crunch combination never seen in any other KitKat before." The all-new confection places the signature creamy banana filling within a crunchy KitKat wafer that has been specially shaped to resemble a pair of bananas that are joined at the stem. The treats also feature a delicate imprint of the recognizable Tokyo Banana logo.
The souvenir chocolates are set to be sold through airports, train stations, rest stops and other major stops throughout the region.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Banana-inspired Confections
- Opportunity for creating unique confectionery products inspired by popular regional treats.
- Combining Textures
- Disruptive innovation opportunity for creating moist-crunch combinations in confectionery.
- Specially Shaped Snacks
- Opportunity for creating snacks with unique shapes that resemble iconic regional items.
Where This Applies
- Confectionery
- Opportunity for confectionery companies to innovate with new flavors and textures inspired by regional treats.
- Food and Beverage Retail
- Opportunity for retailers to offer unique, region-specific confectionery products as souvenirs.
- Tourism
- Opportunity for tourism industry to promote and market unique regional souvenirs to travelers.
