Burrowing out of the recession, hungry consumers will explore more exotic territory in the quest for unique flavors and nourishing foods in 2011, according to San Francisco-based The Center for Culinary Development, and Packaged Facts, Rockville, Md., a division of MarketResearch.com.
Using CCD’s signature five-stage Trend Mapping technique — where Stage 1 trends are emerging from independent restaurants and Stage 5’s have landed in the mainstream — CCD and Packaged Facts identified eight culinary trends that will attract adventurous diners, influence product development and create buzz in 2011.
“These are obviously very trend-forward, emerging-stage trends, so they will take a while to trickle into the consumer package goods world,” says Trendologist Kara Nielsen of CCD. “I certainly think umami is something every food package goods manufacturer should be thinking about in ways they haven’t thought about before. With all the interest in sodium reduction, as well as consumer demand for bigger flavors, umami is going to be key to creating exciting and craveable products.”