Canadian Food Business
WHILE TRADITIONAL FLAVOUR PROFILES STAND OUT ON THE MENU, RECENT TECHNOMIC RESEARCH ALSO SHOWS THAT CANADIAN CONSUMERS ARE ON THE HUNT FOR FLAVOUR INNOVATION.
An overwhelming majority of consumers (73 per cent) say that if they try and like a menu item with a new or innovative flavour, they’re very likely to make a return visit to that restaurant for the same item.
“Today’s foodservice consumers expect uniqueness on the menu – they’re gravitating toward bigger flavours and standout flavour combinations that show some creativity. Operators and suppliers that promote differentiated flavour profiles can spark interest with consumers by eliciting cravings – which could potentially increase customer loyalty,” says Darren Tristano, Executive Vice President of Technomic, Inc.
Technomic highlighted the latest consumer behaviours, preferences, attitudes and trends in its Canadian Flavour Consumer Trend Report:
• Eighty per cent of consumers agreed that they would like restaurants to offer foods that feature a combination of flavours; 66 per cent say they enjoy dishes that feature a fusion of flavours from more than one type of cuisine
• The popularity of spicy flavours continues to rise: a majority of consumers (56 per cent) say they enjoy very hot or spicy sauces, dips or condiments, compared to 50 per cent of consumers who said the same in 2011
• Customization is crucial for flavour: 64 per cent of consumers place high importance on the ability to customize toppings at limited-service restaurants, and 68 per cent say the same for full-service restaurants.
