Flavor and fragrance maker DSM-Firmenich revealed today that its flavor of the year is “peach+,” a concept that celebrates the peach flavor while also acknowledging other aspects like its soft textural elements.
“Now in its 12th year, the announcement of the Flavor of the Year is an eagerly anticipated event,” said Maurizio Clementi, EVP for taste, texture and health at DSM-Firmenich, in a statement. “The delicate and natural qualities of Peach+ call for diverse applications across multiple food and beverage industries, and we are excited to see the innovations of our clients upon receiving this news.”
Inspired by Pantone’s 2024 color of the year, Peach Fuzz, the flavor company said that peach has long been considered an evergreen fruit flavor that has seen many recent innovations.
“Flavor of the Year showcases emerging trends in flavor through proactive sensory experiences and creations, and completes its mission year after year, which is to empower our customers to be leaders in global trends,” says Mikel Cirkus, global creative director for taste, texture & health, in a statement.
The most prevalent areas of growth for new product development for peach are carbonated soft drinks, nectars, candies, ready-to-drink teas, tea, flavored alcoholic drinks, yogurt and fruit preparations, dairy drinks, juices containing peach, and fruit preserves, according to the flavor company. Other areas showing promise for growth are functional drinks and powdered soft drinks, as well as more savory opportunities for peach including side dishes, noodles, processed cheeses, and protein analogs.
Some popular combinations include passion fruit plus peach, mango plus peach, peach plus tea, and apricot plus peach.
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