Regional Global Cuisines to Watch

Consumer interest in up-and-coming regional global cuisines is high. From Turkish menemen (pictured right) to Laotian sweet-savory jaew bong chile paste, to Pakistani/Afghani moringa plant or Balkan ajvar, chances are, you haven’t tried these ingredients or heard of them. However, global cuisines will always be of interest to consumers and knowing which ingredients or regions are hot will help you understand consumers’ changing need states and preferences. Especially in our current environment, being able to offer consumers variety in the foods and drinks they enjoy is essential.

• 35% of 18 to 34 year-olds are eating more unique types of ethnic foods and beverages than they did two years ago.
• Regional ingredients offer new and exciting pops of color and/or functional benefits, both of which are trending.
• 52% of consumers haven’t tried Colombian food but would like to and/or think it sounds good.