Trends are what make us foodies tick, right? What trends are shaping the food industry today and into the future? We found out at Taste the Trends, CFBN’s annual pinnacle of trend watching and more importantly, trend tasting! With our partners at The Hatchery and Datassential, we look back at a delightful evening that was full of exciting new flavors and valuable connections.

New Trends on the Horizon  

Datassential’s Insights Consultant, Sam Horvath kicked off the Taste of the Trends event by introducing the latest trends, explaining how they take shape and how consumers preferences are evolving. She highlighted the growing love of global flavors, from Korean and Sicilian to Japanese-Peruvian fusions. In terms of flavors, consumers are looking to spice up their food, with flavors like chili crisp as the fastest-growing category over the last 12 months. Another emerging flavor is dragon fruit, appearing more and more in products, even some unexpected ones like Mountain Dew drinks. And who knew the edible glitter pickle or the Indian dessert Ras Malai? 

Trend Tasting 

What makes Taste the Trends unique is that guests don’t just learn about trends, but they taste them! Chefs have used the trend reports as a source of inspiration for the event. Guests had the opportunity to taste Ttebokki Fries, Korean spiced fries prepared by Ingredion’s Chef Connor Thompson.

Of course, beef tallow being omnipresent these days, made an appearance. Chef Peter Kolavo from South Chicago Packing created Jalapeno poppers with grape jam, and bacon fat gingersnap cookies with dragon fruit sanding sugar. Yes, it was as delicious as it sounds! 

Several emerging brands showcased their products, varying from Egglife’s wraps, The 72 Collection chocolate, and Pura Soda. Suya, a Nigerian spiced meat skewer and considered by Datassential as a hot future trend, was served by Shaana Suya. 

Trends in a wider context

Food trends are what drive us as foodies and are a recurring theme during our CFBN events. To understand the broader forces shaping consumer preferences, it’s worth considering Edelman’s Global Trust Barometer. We are currently experiencing a global “Crisis of Grievance”. Geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and eroding trust in leaders lead consumers feeling less optimistic about the future.

Datassential emphasized this kind of ‘doomerism’, concluding it makes consumers want to give in to indulgences and treats. The trend of Whimsical Concepts taps into this trend, offering consumers bright colors and a sense of playfulness, taking all kinds of forms, such as extravagant brunches or over-the-top dishes like a trash pie. 

What’s Next? 

We definitely got a taste of the future during Taste the Trends and are ready to continue with our fall events. Join us for cocktails and discussions: 

• How Finance Fuels Innovation & Growth, October 15 at Wells Fargo, 
  
• Ultra-Processed Foods: Definitions, Implications, and Regulations, October 22 at Kent College of Law 
  

We look forward seeing you there!