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Americans reward themselves with everyday indulgences
Hazelnuts have a specialty niche in the food world – one that spans indulgence to nostalgia. A review of current and upcoming trends shows hazelnuts emerging as a versatile, distinctive, value-adding ingredient in ice cream.
Everyday Indulgences
Hazelnuts are a luxuriously indulgent ingredient to include in superpremium and premium ice creams. Consumers view hazelnuts as a specialty ingredient that adds value to any product and creates a feeling of “everyday indulgence.” Hazelnuts are a perfect complement for premium ice creams that can be enjoyed in the comfort of one’s own home.
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Trend analyst Faith Popcorn notes that consumers today reward themselves with small indulgences and affordable luxuries including specialty foods and edible treats. |
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The Institute of Food
Technologists reports in its 2003 review of food trends that
American consumers are seeking everyday gourmet foods with
casual indulgence,ìmildly upscale casual culinary concepts
that are destined to be more indulgent, flavorful, festive
and fun.î |
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Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert notes that ice cream sales of superpremium and premium quality (41.4 percent of total dollar sales) ice creams continue to outsell regular, light, reduced fat, lowfat and nonfat ice creams. |
Nostalgia and Comfort through Food
Hazelnuts are often associated with fond memories of childhood, special occasions and special recipes. Ice cream has a strong association with nearly everyone’s childhood, making it easy choice for a comfort food. Incorporating hazelnuts into ice cream is like giving your customers a little piece of home. Americans increasingly seek to return to the nostalgia of youth and cherished time spent with family and friends.
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According to Entrepreneur magazine, American’s desire for comfort is one of the strongest trends. The trend manifests itself in everything from participating in home redecorating to enjoying favorite foods from childhood. |
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Nostalgia is also reflected in the popularity of classic dessert flavors for ice cream choices such as chocolate mousse, strawberry cheesecake, bananas foster and crème brulee. |
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Holidays are the ultimate in traditional food choices. According to the IDFA, seasonal flavors like gingerbread, peppermint and caramel ice cream are receiving great consumer interest for the holidays.
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Continuing Popularity of Chocolate
Datassential Research’s MenuTrends 2001 and the National Confectioners Association note that chocolate is American’s favorite flavor choice for desserts and confections. Chocolate remains the number two choice for ice cream lovers. Hazelnuts, with their unique taste and texture and their well-known compatibility with chocolate, are a natural fit when it comes to ice cream.
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Candy Industry magazine notes that the evolving American palate demands more premium chocolate products. Chocolate-covered nuts are increasingly popular, and consumers are ready to move beyond some of the more traditional nuts and experience new and unique flavors. |
New Foods, Exotic Flavors
Hazelnuts, with their European heritage and distinctive, exotic flavor add a unique twist to ice cream that satisfies consumer cravings for new culinary sensations. An increasingly diverse population coupled with American interest in overseas travel brings the taste for new foods and cultures home.
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WomanTrend 2001 reports that there is a “global food” movement afoot. American consumers want to create new food experiences and are increasingly accepting, even demanding, unusual, exotic flavors and textures that go beyond traditional American cuisine. |
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According to Entrepreneur ice cream, going out for ice cream is like taking a 10-minute vacation for many. International flavors reflect ice cream manufacturers ability to respond to that need with flavors such as Cancun Caramel and Eiffel Tower Truffle. |
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