Recent trends indicate that consumers are increasingly open to new gastronomic experiences, showing a willingness to explore unconventional flavour profiles and combinations in their food and beverage. Notably, there is a rising preference for Asian flavours, enriching the culinary landscape with their distinctive tastes and influences. Within the sweet and beverage sectors, a notable shift is underway towards incorporating not just traditional sugary flavours but also a fusion of umami, salty, sour, sweet, and spicy elements. This blending of diverse flavours results in a sensory adventure, offering consumers a novel and unforgettable tasting experience.

The Asian Influence in flavours

The diverse and vibrant culinary landscape of Asia has had a profound influence on the global food and beverage sector, with a variety of unique flavours captivating taste buds around the world. Flavours such as Ube, known for its vibrant purple hue and subtle sweetness, and Buko Pandan, a delicious blend of coconut and pandan, have gained popularity for their exotic allure. The citrusy and spicy Calamansi adds a tangy touch to dishes and drinks, while the umami-rich and versatile miso brings depth of flavour to a variety of dishes.

Asian spirits

While Asian spirits like Japanese shochu, Korean soju and Chinese baijiu are among the most widely consumed beverages globally, their presence remains relatively novel in many regions. Forecasts suggest that a wider array of Asian spirits will garner traction in 2024, as indicated by a Datassential report revealing a surge in consumer interest towards soju at 50%, baijiu at 37%, and shochu at 40%, particularly amongst the Gen Z demographic.

Flavour landscape for Asian influence include:

• Vegetables: Ube/Purple Yam
• Seed: Sesame (Black)
• Sauces: Gochujang
• Citrus Fruits: Yuzu/Yuja and Calamansi
• Plant: Pandan
  

Savoury and spicy cocktails

Experimentation with umami flavour makes its way to the drink sphere; from twisted dirty martinis, to tomato cocktails, to fat washed spirits. Spicy drinks can add a dynamic element to cocktails, evoking a sense of adventure, attracting customers who are seeking new and exciting flavour experiences.

Sour, Salty & Spicy

Tamarind, a widely popular ingredient in culinary endeavours, is now making its mark in the world of cocktails, infusing them with distinctive piquant and sweet-sour undertones. Diverse varieties of peppercorns, ranging from the classic black variety to individually named berries, are being seamlessly integrated into both culinary dishes and beverages. The brine derived from these pickled and fermented items should not be disregarded, as it can serve as an ideal addition to cocktails, offering a zesty, salty and robust burst of flavour. To elevate both culinary and beverage experiences, named and flavoured salts are being employed in food and beverages, including a stylish application on glass rims reminiscent of the classic margarita presentation.

Flavour landscape for cocktails in 2024/2025:

• Spices: Tamarind and Pepper/Peppercorn (Black)
• Other Savoury: Umami

Sweet + Spicy = Swicy

Over the years, condiments such as hot honey have gained significant popularity. Recent data highlights a growing consumer interest in intricate sweet and spicy flavour profiles, with millennials and Gen Z individuals playing a significant role in driving this trend. Insights from market research agency Datassential reveal a marked increase of 38% in the incorporation of sweet and spicy pairings on menus in the past year. Projections indicate that hot honey, in particular, is poised to surpass nearly all other culinary and beverage flavours by the year 2027, reaffirming the escalating demand for nuanced taste experiences among today’s discerning consumers.

About Lionel Hitchen

Lionel Hitchen understands the importance of staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving food and beverage industry. With their expertise in flavour innovation, they are committed to helping your business thrive in this dynamic landscape. Their range of Naturally Fabulous flavours and flavour ingredients are designed to cater to the latest trends and consumer demands. Whether you are looking to develop new products, enhance existing ones, or create unique flavour profiles, their team of experts can guide you every step of the way.

Carst & Walker proudly represents Lionel Hitchen, ensuring our clients have access to these innovative and high-quality flavour solutions. To learn more about how Lionel Hitchen can benefit your product development, or for any enquiries, please contact us at Carst & Walker.

Carst & Walker offers these Lionel Hitchen products in Ireland, Kenya and South Africa.