Dairy Processing - May/June 2023 - 12

teams and marketing team
continue to follow industry
trends and look for opportunities
to innovate in the deli cheese
category, including new flavors
and formats, " Hackett said.
" We stay on top of flavor trends
with help from our expert
cheesemakers, input from our
consumers and by using industry
data. Tracking point-of-sale
and menu trend data helps us
identify flavors that are resonating
with consumers. "
of years, said Kaitie Hackett, category manager.
" In recent years, we've seen more unique
flavors that are helping to generate excitement
and drive growth for the category. "
Those tastes change frequently. In 2019,
for instance, alcohol-inspired flavors such as
bourbon were the top-growing flavors. In 2022,
spicy flavors took the top spot.
Dill, meanwhile, is the No. 1 flavor of
Havarti. In 2022, Emmi Roth saw more herbforward
flavors enter the category, including
Roth Tomato Basil Havarti.
The company's newer flavored cheeses also
include French Onion Havarti, Roth Hot Honey
Gouda, Spinach Artichoke Gouda and Buffalo
Ranch Gouda.
" Our team of expert cheesemakers, sales
INDUSTRY INFLUENCE
Consumer demands can help guide
product innovation, said Jennifer
Zhou, global director of product
marketing, flavors, ADM, and the
company's consumer insights captured
by its global team of trend
spotters and the cross-functional
work of its collaborative teams.
ADM's Flavor and Color Trend
Outlook is an example of how the
company helps customers identify
current and upcoming themes that
are influencing the dairy industry.
" We've named 2023 the year of
self-expression, with consumers
seeking products that reflect who
12 MAY-JUN 2023 | DAIRYPROCESSING.COM
A top trend in flavored cheese, she
added, is versatility with products that can be
enjoyed on a cheeseboard or as an ingredient in
a recipe.
The company has also seen a lot of nostalgic
flavors trending, which drove the creation of
its Roth Spinach Artichoke and Buffalo Ranch
Gouda.
New in flavored cheeses from Green Bay,
Wis.-based BelGioioso Cheese include a Hatch
Chile Fresh Mozzarella Braid, Sliced Marinated
Fresh Mozzarella logs, Smoked ScamorzaRella
and Blueberry Artigiano, said Sofia
Auricchio Krans, a fifth-generation cheesemaker
with BelGioioso.
" Often flavors are added to give the cheese
its flavor, " Krans said. " At BelGioioso, we create
quality cheeses that already have great flavor,
they are, including adventurous
explorers, fierce disruptors, tranquil
influencers, nostalgic caretakers
and more. Interestingly, flavor
profiles can cross these categories
to appeal to many people, "
Zhou said. " For example, orange
may be perceived as a familiar
favorite or an exotic offering, depending
on the varietal. "
According to FMCG Gurus', The
Importance of Flavor, Color & Texture,
2022, globally, 74% of consumers
say they like to see new
and unusual flavors in food and
drink products, with ice cream
ranking in the top five preferred
product categories for flavor
innovation. As such, Zhou explained,
the frozen aisle or dairybased
beverages might feature
seasonal or limited-edition flavors,
candy and cocktail-inspired
flavors, timeless fruit flavors and
intriguing conceptual flavors.
" Above all, brands must keep in
mind that today's consumers are
unwilling to compromise on taste
and flavor, " she said. " Foods and
beverages that lack the sensory
experience shoppers expect will
be left behind - no matter what
other positive attributes they
have to offer. "
BelGioioso Cheese
http://www.DAIRYPROCESSING.COM
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