Company: Comax Flavors

Website: www.comaxflavors.com

Ingredient Snapshot: There’s no end in sight for new product innovation—with dizzying numbers of new food and beverage product launches. Today’s consumers are looking for more better-for-you products as well as engaging culinary experiences. 

In response, Comax Flavors has developed its 2017 “Flavor Trends” with four new unique flavor collections. “Flower Power” is a collection of floral inspired flavors, while “Spice Is Nice” addresses the globalization of America’s palate and the accessibility of flavorful spices. “Smoke Out” capitalizes on consumers’ affinity for new textures and dimensional flavors, while “Nostalgia Remix” taps into consumer desire to reconnect with childhood comforts. 

Each Comax Flavor collection is comprised of a variety of food and beverage applications such as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, beverage syrups, dairy, baked goods, confections, snacks, sauces and marinades.

Flower Power

Compared to other countries, US consumers seldom ingest flowers or even floral flavors. And flowers only rarely appear as a colorful garnish. Even so, floral flavors are popping up and making their way into food and beverages including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and dairy products such as yogurt and ice cream. 

“Driven by the health and wellness trend, consumers continue to seek flavors inspired by nature. Comax Flavors predicts floral flavors will be the next generation of better-for-you products and to meet the demand, we created the ‘Flower Power’ range,” notes Catherine Armstrong, Comax vice president of corporate communications.

This versatile floral collection can be used in multiple applications such as dairy, baked goods, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, beverage syrups and tea.

Flavors in this group include:

Blueberry Hibiscus, Orange Blossom Vanilla, Raspberry Lavender

Spice Is Nice

Technavio predicts that the US market for spices and seasonings will grow at a CAGR of 6.72% from 2016 to 2020. Driven by globalization and the growing multicultural population, spices that were once exotic and unfamiliar are becoming familiar and ubiquitous. Spices are now mainstream and accessible. 

“Consumers are now open and willing to experiment with spices to experience new flavors. To address consumers’ desire for flavorful spice combinations, we developed the ‘Spice Is Nice’ collection,” says Armstrong. 

This seasoned, multipurpose flavor collection can be used in several applications such as coffee, tea, dairy, alcoholic beverages and beverage syrups.

Flavors in this group include:

Cinnamon Caramel, Cocoa Curry, Ginger Mandarin Cardamom

Smoke Out

The Barbeque Bible proclaims that “smoking is the new grilling” and the National Restaurant Association’s 2016 trend report featured “smoking” and “fire roasting” as top food preparation methods.

Moreover, it’s clear that smoking is no longer reserved just for meat and fish.  Smoking—both hot and cold—is experiencing an uptick. It is appearing in dairy, fruits, vegetables, desserts and even cocktails. In packaged foods, inspiration from smoked foods can be seen in unexpected applications such as beer, snacks and chewing gum. And when chefs talked trends during the 2016 StarChefs International Chef Congress conference, they noted that “charcoal is on the rise as more and more chefs incorporate it into their repertoire.” 

“Consumers’ crave smoked flavors and it’s not just for savory applications. Smoked flavors add texture and dimension to food and beverages and Comax developed the ‘Smoke Out’ range to appeal to a wide audience,” notes Armstrong. 

This sophisticated flavor range can be used in a variety of applications including sauces, marinades, snacks, crackers, dairy, alcoholic beverages and beverage syrups.

Flavors in this group include:

Blackberry BBQ, Smoked Tomato, Torched Vanilla

Nostalgia Remix

Nostalgia runs deep in traditional US food and beverage choices. As older consumers seek comfort foods and positive experiences, they recall childhood and fond memories. That means throwback flavors are gaining momentum. Classic and nostalgic flavors are finding their way into new and unexpected applications. Chefs and food and beverage manufacturers are experimenting and reinterpreting the classics—and everything from root beer floats to grilled cheese is getting a makeover.

“Comax wanted to engage consumers. To make an emotional connection, we created the Nostalgia Remix assortment as a nod to childhood,” says Armstrong. “This fun flavor assortment can be used in numerous applications such as dairy, baked goods, confection, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and beverage syrups.

Flavors in this group include:

Grilled Cheese, Milk & Cookies, Root Beer Marshmallow

Visit www.ComaxFlavors.com for more information.