Consumers crave flavour innovation

Jan. 21, 2014, Canada – While traditional flavour profiles stand out on the menu, recent Technomic research indicates that Canadian consumers are also on the hunt for unique flavour innovation.

Jan. 21, 2014, Canada – While traditional flavour profiles stand out on the menu, recent Technomic research indicates that Canadian consumers are also on the hunt for unique flavour innovation.

Technomic’s Canadian Flavour Consumer Trend report said that 73 per cent of consumers were more likely to make a return visit for the same item if it featured a new or innovative flavour. And 60 per cent said that they'd be more likely to try other unique foods at that same restaurant.

The specific flavour profiles that consumers are on the hunt for are: savoury (70 per cent), spicy (52 per cent), smoky (49 per cent), sweet (47 per cent) and ethnic (46 per cent).

"Flavour innovation can help maximize repeat traffic," said Darren Tristano, executive vice-president of Technomic, in a press release. "Today's foodservice consumers expect uniqueness on the menu—they're gravitating toward bigger flavours and standout flavour combinations that show some creativity. Operators and suppliers that promote differentiated flavour profiles can spark interest with consumers by eliciting cravings—which could potentially increase customer loyalty."

Eighty per cent of consumers agreed that they would like foodservice operations to offer foods that feature a combination of flavours. Sixty-six per cent said they enjoy dishes that feature a fusion of flavours from more than one type of cuisine.

The popularity of spicy flavours continues to rise. Majority of consumers (56 per cent) said they enjoy very hot or spicy sauces, dips or condiments, compared to 50 per cent of consumers who said the same in 2011. Customization is also crucial for flavour. Sixty-four per cent of consumers place high importance on the ability to customize toppings at limited-service operations, and 68 per cent said the same for full-service operations.

For more information, visit www.technomic.com.