Supermarket Perimeter - April 2022 - 23

Deli
ASIAN-INSPIRED CUISINE continues to surprise and delight
consumers with traditional options, innovative fusions and
hyper-authenticity.
Food is often thought of a necessity, but in truth it offers the potential
of so much more. At its finest, food is an exploratory medium. Today,
ever-increasing cross-cultural connections allow consumers to
experience the world through food like never before. With 449 countries
and six regions, Asia, the world's largest continent, offers a neverending
cornucopia of flavors, ingredients and combinations.
Often underestimated by mainstream food brands, next-generation
entrepreneurs are setting a new standard in the category - reclaiming
and celebrating the flavors of childhood, culture and community,
according to Vanessa Pham, co-founder and CEO of New Yorkbased
Omsom.
Initially gearing its products to Gen Z and Millennial Asian Americans,
Omsom is finding its line resonating with customers in and outside
its target audience. For some this triggers a reaction of familiarity and
intrigue and for others it becomes an opportunity to broaden horizons.
The company's proportioned sauces, spices and oils allow consumers
to work from recipes or experiment with the produce and protein they
have on hand.
Now trending
By Jeff Gelski
Ingredient selection opens a world of
promotable opportunities for sauces, dressings
and marinades. Korean barbecue, Thai and
Indian curries, and spicy habanero are some
of the flavor options. Health claims such as
low fat, reduced sugar and reduced sodium
may be achieved through the choice of starch
and other ingredients. Yet before formulation
begins, product developers should consider
allergen issues and supply availability.
Two flavor trends are standing out this year,
said Daniel Espinoza, corporate research
and development chef for OFI, a business of
Singapore-based Olam International.
Comforting, earthy flavors inspired by nature
appeal to consumers seeking a sense of
certainty.
" This holds true even as they adopt a more
plant-based diet, " he said. " This trend is all
about maximizing delicious, rich umami flavors
in sauces and marinades with ingredients like
roasted garlic and mushrooms, truffles, nuts
and seaweed. "
Travel restrictions have consumers eager to
explore foreign cuisines such as bright, vibrant
and spicy sauces, he added.
" As restrictions begin to ease, this desire for
interesting new flavors has raised the profile
of fiery marinades and table sauces featuring
flavorful chili varieties like habanero, ancho and
Building familiarity
These days it's easier than ever to experience global flavors with
manufacturers offering traditional products in a range of convenient
formats. In 1986, Van Oriental Food introduced its signature egg roll
products to the US market and today, the company is keeping pace,
producing new flavors, new formats and new placements to keep
supermarketperimeter.com
guajillo, " Espinoza said, adding OFI recently
acquired the US-based chili pepper business
from Mizkan America, Inc.
APRIL 2022 - 23
CAFE SPICE, OMSOM, OILSLO - STOCK.ADOBE.COM
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Supermarket Perimeter - April 2022

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