Comax 2011 flavor trends balance the familiar with the exotic
Consumers continue to be affected by economic concerns and are looking for flavors that evoke nostalgia, happiness and celebration on the one hand, while also seeking tastes that offer “a brief flavor excursion” on the other, according to Comax. The company’s development team released its 2011 ‘FlavorVision’ as a collation of FlavorLab predictions combined with trend data collected by the company year-round.
Comax has divided its trends into three distinct flavor profiles that it expects will be impactful during the year ahead.
It defines the three groups as: “Those that give consumers irresistible motivation to try something different; those that offer an invitation to explore new cuisines with provocative flavor combinations; and those that spark pleasant, comforting memories.”
The three categories are:
- ‘Homespun’, which includes nostalgic, indulgent, homely flavors, such as pumpkin pie, French toast, gingerbread, and toasted peanut.
“After challenging times, we all need food to bring us back to a better place,” Comax said.
- ‘Soft exotics’, which combine the familiar with a touch of exoticism, such as young coconut, orange caramel, finger lime, and chocolate persimmon.
According to the company: “They are somewhat edgy, certainly not your ordinary flavor, but not too risky either.”
- Take-me-away
These are flavors that evoke exotic, foreign places, including Manila mango, vanilla pandan, Seville orange, and Chinese five spices.
“These are romancing flavors associated with international destinations which you may have heard about in travel brochures, stimulating the imagination and delivering you up to new experiences,” the company said.
