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Inspired Tastes

Oceans of Opportunity

January 2020 | Brian, Marketing Manager

As people search for healthier, more environmentally sustainable foods, it's no surprise that seaweed has emerged as a frontrunner. It's long been a staple of certain Asian cuisines, with a distinctive flavor and dozens of vitamins and nutrients.

Along with seaweed come other flavors from the Pacific Rim (Asia, Oceania, and the western coasts of North and South America). Sea critters such as shrimp and cuttlefish and Pacific Rim fruits like guava, lychee, pineapple, starfruit, and figs are making their way onto American plates.

Why this trend will stick:

SEAWEED AS A HEALTH FOOD

Sales of seaweed soared, owing to weight loss claims. Seaweed can rehydrate and swell up in the stomach. Globally, seaweeds are gaining popularity at present not only as part of the staple diet, food flavor enhancers, and nutritive food items but also for their weight loss property. For this very reason, the consumption of seaweed has increased by 125% in the United Kingdom alone. -Mordor Intelligence

EXCITEMENT FOR PACIFIC RIM FLAVORS

The Pacific Rim region, made up of land spanning Oceania and Asia to the Americas that surrounds the rim of the Pacific, looks set to be the "it" region for culinary inspirations. Expect a delicious hodgepodge of ingredients from the fusion medley of cuisines. - Michelin Guide

Here are the micro-trends we see in this trend:

• Seaweed Snacks
• Pacific Fruits
• Health-Foods Focus

Takeaways

• Health-conscious consumers are always looking to expand their plant-based options, so there is an opportunity to introduce ocean plants as a unique alternative to traditional produce.
• Pacific Rim fruits offer a variety of new flavor profiles while also meeting consumer demands for healthy foods.
• Seaweed can be featured in dozens of forms, from spices and chips to smoothies and drinks, leaving room to experiment and take advantage of its flexibility.

To get started on your innovation inspired by the sea, contact your McCormick account manager or contact us today.