2007 Top Ten Hot Flavors & Fragrances

FF2007
According to Bell Flavors & Fragrances, the majority of today’s consumers are beginning to recognize healthy alternatives in what they consume and use on their bodies. This recognition has allowed retailers to demand products that fit this market opportunity. The Organic, Allergen Free, All Natural, High Antioxidant, Zero Trans Fat, Hollistic Health consumer has caused major market retailers to push food, beverage and personal care processors for products that will appeal to this super healthy consumer.

The flavor and fragrance industry is at the forefront of the development of new tastes and aromas for these new consumers. Products developed and launched by Bell Flavors & Fragrances during the last two years have been developed directly from the processors, who in turn work directly with the consumer through evaluation of direct sales.

The company has found that the push for healthier products from the food and beverage industries exerts a great deal of influence on personal care markets, and flavors that launch in beverages cross over to personal care.

Below is a list of fruits and ideas that have started off, for the most part, in the food and beverage markets and have already entered into personal care markets—or have significant potential in these markets.

1. Pomegranate
2. Acai Berry
3. Goji Berry (Wolfberry)
4. Lulo Fruit
5. Mamey Fruit
6. Mangosteen
7. Blood Orange
8. Fresh Ginger Root
9. Guavasteen (Feijoa)
10. Cashew Apple (Maranon)

1. The pomegranate fruit continues to grow in all market categories. This fruit was originally launched in the beverage industry. If the popularity of this fruit continues to grow, according to Bell, it will become a mainstream staple fruit in the category of cherries and apples.

2. The Acai berry was first brought to a mainstream audience when Oprah Winphrey discussed the fruit and its high levels of antioxidant properties. Today, the fruit is being launched in botanical shampoos and fruit pulp drinks. It is known by many as “the super fruit.”

3. The Goji berry, also known as the wolfberry, is starting to be recognized for its health benefits. This fruit is familiar to many processors from a few years back, but because of the current high antioxidant craze, this fruit is being revisited by many.

4. The Lulo fruit is an extremely popular fruit and bevarage ingredient in Colombia. Currently, the fruit is not as well know as Goji, but with South American tastes and aromas continuing to influence the U.S. market, it is only a matter of time before it becomes widely recognized.

5. Mamey fruit was originally discovered in Panama and unveiled to Europeans in 1529. The taste (a mix between apricot, peach and papaya) makes this it, possibly, the most acceptable to U.S. consumers.

6. The Mangosteen fruit was once recognized by Queen Victoria as the “queen of fruits.” This Far East fruit is also known for its high antioxidant properties, and and is currently available through “super healthy consumer” retailers.

7. The blood orange is not new to most food or personal care processors, but it is a fruit that will be used more to provide consumers novel products with a familiar taste or aroma.

8. Fresh ginger root is the type of sharp sensation flavor that works very well with new health chocolates. Ginger is known for its distinct sharp sensation, and this unique flavor, even though very old and traditional, could have great potential in the new “super healthy consumer” market.

9. Guavasteen, which is also known as Feijoa, is a fruit that has been promoted for its high antioxidant properties. Native to New Zealand, it could likely be the type of new sensation consumers are looking for.

10. Cashew apple is actually the fruit from which the cashew nut grows. This fruit is found deep in the Amazon, and has high antioxidant properties. It is currently being used as a fruit drink in Brazil.

 

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