You may have heard that “Rose Quartz” and “Serenity” have been designated the 2016 colors of the year by Pantone. Fashion designers have already adapted these shades into their spring collections with other seasonal attire designed with these trendy hues in mind.
The same holds true in the flavor and fragrance industry. Just as color adds a splash of life, new flavors and fragrances add zest to one’s taste and scent palate.
This year, flavor and fragrance demands—including demand for flavor and fragrance blends, essential oils and natural extracts, and aroma chemicals—is expected to rise 4.4percent a year to reach $26.5 billion in 2016.
And what do consumers want to taste and smell?
Trends include sweeteners, Korean, Indian and Cuban spice blends in addition to other global blends from places like Germany, Quebec, Vietnam, Mexico while still including traditional Americana, according to Perfumer Flavorist.
Natural protein sources derived from seaweed, algae and, yes, even insects, are also part of this trend.
USA Today tells us to say goodbye to bacon and pumpkin and helloto matcha, sambal sauce and rendang curry.
Of course, sweeteners always remain popular, with manufacturers forecasting customers will want a variety of low/no calories sweetening ingredients in low-calorie food formulations.
But this year, classic taste blends and early naturals/barks and roots are also in the forefront of consumer interest. Perhaps it’s because consumers are becoming increasingly experimental and adventurous in what is put on their plates. Flavorists are also beginning to see sweet heat trends, which hold fruity, yet spicy flavors. These include blackberry, raspberry and passion fruit merged with jalapeno, chipotle and habanero.
And just like those who appreciate unique tastes, those who are scent aficionados also want authenticity in fragrances, knowing fragrance amplifies the moods and emotions the seasons bring.
Watch for global influences and beauty secrets balanced by men, nature, wellness, botanicals and freshness, Perfumer & Flavorist noted. A blend of organic elements along with fruits, powdery florals and sweet gourmand is also projected to be popular.
Other related trends will be equally noticeable this year.
Support for the largest market, food and beverages, is projected to rise from growing urbanization, rising incomes and increasing interest in Western foods and lifestyle.
Additionally, manufacturers will see increased output of processed and convenience foods. Look for advances in the consumption of carbonated beverages, one of the leading outlets for flavors.
And In the toiletry and cleaner market, fragrance demand is also projected to advance as production of toiletries and cleaners rises with personal consumption expenditures in emerging economies.
What does this mean for Aurochemicals?
As the global leader in the manufacturing of over 350 natural aroma chemicals for the flavor and fragrance industry, Aurochemicals remains committed to being ahead of the curve in knowing what consumers want. Developing new and innovative ingredients that will provide combinations to appeal to taste and smell will help our customers to be successful in responding to their consumers’ desires.
That way, all consumers have to worry about how to infuse “Rose Quartz” and “Serenity” into their wardrobes.
By: Sagar Lachmansing, Vice President, Food Safety & Quality Assurance