As food trends globally continue to become increasingly diverse and complex, it can be a challenge for food service and restaurant professionals to keep up with the latest changes and developments in global flavors. The bakery sector in particular is one of the most affected industries as consumers’ tastes are continuing to evolve and change rapidly. When evaluating global flavor trends for bakery, it is important to consider factors such as local palates, technological access, cultural influences, and the response of traditional and new consumers.
Technology
Technological advancements and access have had a significant impact on global flavor trends in the bakery sector. Improvements in home baking and food manufacturing technology have allowed for niche flavors to easily become mainstream. This has led to global flavors becoming increasingly accessible both through retail outlets and for home baking. Additionally, access to online recipes has made it easier for consumers to experiment with new flavors and ingredient combinations, which can make global flavors more prevalent in the bakery.
Local Palates
Each region has its own unique palate and food trends. Regional tastes have a large influence on global flavor trends for bakery. Consumers in the United States, for example, have a strong taste for sweet bakery products, making cake and cookie flavors popular. On the other hand, those in Latin America tend to favor savory flavors, such as tamales, empanadas, and tortillas. It is important to consider local preference when evaluating global flavor trends in the bakery sector.
Cultural Influences
Cultural influences are often one of the most powerful drivers of global flavor trends in the bakery sector. For those from Latin America, the influence of Italian culture in terms of food is strong. This is evident in the popularity of flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and coffee in Italian baked goods. For other regions such as the Middle East, North African flavors such as cardamom and saffron have increased in popularity in recent years. It is important for bakery businesses to be aware of cultural influences when developing products or techniques.
New and Traditional Consumers
It is also important to consider both new and traditional consumers when evaluating global flavor trends for bakery. The younger generations are more likely to embrace newer flavors and ingredients, making them a valuable target for experimentation. On the other hand, traditional consumers may have a more established palate and can be averse to change. It is important to consider both target groups when designing flavors and recipes for the bakery sector.
The evolution and diversification of global flavors in the bakery sector is an on-going trend. In order to stay ahead of the changes in the food service industry, it is important to consider factors such as technology, local palates, cultural influences, and the response of both new and traditional consumers. By utilizing data and insights from Brizo, businesses can better monitor changes and trends in the bakery sector, as well as identify opportunities to develop their offerings and expand their reach.
