★ From the US ★ This year, keep an eye on Blackberry!

This year's spotlight flavor is blackberry. Flavors & Fragrances, a food and beverage flavor manufacturer, announced its "Flavor of the Year" for 2014.

Flavor of the Year predicts the representative flavor for each year based on research conducted by Firmenich experts. The predicted trend for 2013 was lime flavor. According to data from market research firm Mintel, the number of new lime-flavored products launched last year exceeded the previous year's total, confirming the prediction was accurate.

Firmenich explains blackberry's appeal lies in its rich antioxidants, versatility, and alignment with consumer preferences for complex flavors. Analysis of consumer language describing flavors revealed blackberry was frequently described with adjectives like "sweet, sour, spicy" – reflecting its complexity.
Linda Rakind, senior marketing manager at the company, also pointed out that, along with the popularity of lime flavor, there has been an increase in advertisements using green. She believes that there is a close relationship between flavor and color trends. Pantone, which provides color samples for the design industry, announced its annual "Color of the Year." Last year's color was lime and its related shade, emerald green. This year, they selected a purple called "Radiant Orchid," which is related to blackberry.

Filmenich believes that blackberry products will increase in areas other than traditional dairy products. Kashi already sells blackberry graham cereal bars, beverage maker Izze sells sparkling blackberry drinks, and McDonald's has launched a blackberry raspberry fruit tea fusion.

Kashi's Blackberry Graham Cereal Bar	McDonald's Blackberry Raspberry Fruit Tea Fusion

 

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