Comax Flavors unveiled its 2017 Flavor Trends highlighting four unique flavor collections—Flower Power, Spice Is Nice, Smoke Out and Nostalgia Remix. Each flavor collection is comprised of a variety of food and beverage applications such as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, beverage syrups, dairy, baked goods, confectionery, snack foods, sauces and marinades.

Flower Power
Floral flavors are popping up and making their way into food and beverages including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and dairy products such as yogurt and ice cream. “Driven by the health and wellness trend, consumers continue to seek flavors inspired by nature. Comax Flavors predicts floral flavors will be the next generation of better-for-you products and to meet the demand we created the Flower Power range," said Catherine Armstrong, vice president of corporate communications, Comax Flavors. This collection can be used in multiple applications such as dairy, baked goods, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, beverage syrups and tea. Flavors in the Flower Power collection include Blueberry Hibiscus, Orange Blossom Vanilla, and Raspberry Lavender.

Spice Is Nice
Market data from Technavio recently forecasted the U.S. spices and seasonings market to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.72 percent during the period 2016-2020. Driven by globalization and the growing multicultural population, spices that were once exotic and unfamiliar are becoming familiar and ubiquitous. “Consumers are now open and willing to experiment with spices to experience new flavors. To address consumers’ desire for flavorful spice combinations, we developed the Spice Is Nice collection," Armstrong noted. The seasoned multipurpose flavor collection can be used in several applications such as coffee, tea, dairy, alcoholic beverages and beverage syrups. Flavors in the Smoke Out collection include Cinnamon Caramel, Cocoa Curry, and Ginger Mandarin Cardamom.

Smoke Out
According to Barbeque Bible, “smoking is the new grilling" and National Restaurants Association’s 2016 trend report featured “smoking" and “fire roasting" as top food preparation methods. Smoking is no longer reserved just for meat and fish; in fact, smoking, both hot and cold, is experiencing an uptick. It is appearing in dairy, fruits, vegetables, desserts and even cocktails. In packaged foods, inspiration from smoked foods can be seen in unexpected applications such as beer, snacks and chewing gum. “Consumers’ crave smoked flavors and it’s not just for savory applications. Smoked flavors add texture and dimension to food and beverages," Armstrong said. The sophisticated flavor range can be used in a variety of applications including sauces, marinades, snacks, crackers, dairy, alcoholic beverages and beverage syrups. Flavors in the Smoke Out group include Blackberry BBQ, Smoked Tomato, and Torched Vanilla.

Nostalgia Remix
As consumers seek comfort foods and positive experiences, throwback flavors are gaining momentum because they take us back to childhood and fond memories. Classic and nostalgic flavors are finding their way into new and unexpected applications. From root beer floats to grilled cheese, these flavors are getting a makeover as chefs and food and beverage manufacturers are experimenting with reinterpretations. Armstrong said the Nostalgia Remix collection was designed to engage with consumers and make an emotional. The flavor collection can be used in numerous applications such as dairy, baked goods, confectionery, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and beverage syrups. Flavors in Nostalgia Remix group include Grilled Cheese, Milk & Cookies, and Root Beer Marshmallow.

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