Market Trends of Flavor Enhancer Industry
Consumer Preferences Drive Flavors Enhancers Sectors
Flavors and textures of processed foods must be adapted to varying consumer preferences based on several factors including local climate, geography, and distinct flavor profiles of the region. Flavor enhancer provides an opportunity to meet the requirements of processed food sectors which includes a growing preference for high-end, all-natural, and health-conscious food options. For instance, in January 2022, International Taste Solutions introduced a line of natural flavor enhancers that mimic the indulgent characteristics of traditional bakery products in dairy and egg-free alternatives. The products are available in liquid and powder forms and can improve the sensory quality of plant-based cake and patisserie products by emphasizing buttery and creamy flavors.
The most common seasoning is salt, which has been used for thousands of years as a preservative and more recently as a flavor enhancer to make dishes like gamy meats and bitter vegetables more palatable. Moreover, umami can also be used as a seasoning on its own which enhances the flavor of dishes. Umami enhances the richness and depth of any dish, whether it's meaty like lamb chops or vegetarian like roasted vegetables.
According to the Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) research, the snack sector is a prime example of emotional eating, approximately 65% of customers are interested in savory items with nostalgic flavors. In fact, 37% of customers anticipate that snacks will promote their emotional health.
Asia-Pacific is the Fastest Growing Market
In Asia-Pacific, countries such as China, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, and others are widely using flavor enhancers in varied food applications which also have health benefits and are low in sodium, making them widely accepted by the consumers of the region. The use of MSG in noodles is the highest in China. Hot pot condiments and Chinese-style compound condiments are the compound condiments mostly preferred by Asia-Pacific customers. Hot pot soup flavoring market accounts for the major share of the condiments market.
Additionally, with the growing demand for convenience food and a hectic lifestyle, the consumption of noodles is increasing at a faster pace. A mix of glutamates and nucleotides is used in the noodles for flavor enhancement. According to World Instant Noodles Association (WINA), in 2021, the demand for instant noodles in Malaysia reached to approx 1.58 billion servings. Instant noodles are considered one of the popular snacks in Malaysia, and manufacturers also emphasize meeting the local taste and requirements with a wide variety of flavors.
Moreover, the key players, such as DSM, are providing a range of food enhancers under its brand Multirome for its application in noodles. The growing trend of Asian cuisine, especially Chinese also caters to the market studied, for the umami flavor provided by monosodium glutamate in noodles is highly consumed in the global market. However, the stringent regulations in Europe and North America restrict its usage in noodles and other food products, owing to some health constraints.
