Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/491359
STiR tea & coffee industry international 61 growing in popularity, reported Torani syrup's Andrea Ramirez, customer mar- keting manager. Seasonal flavors are so popular they have become referred to as "permanent" seasonal flavors as con- sumers anticipate specific tastes during all 4 seasons. At Flavor & Fragrance Spe- cialties (FFS), Jeff Nichols, vice president of the company's coffee division report- ed their pumpkin spice now ranks third in the Company's list of all flavors. Mark Dimenico, director, client solutions at menu research firm, Datassential, stated that "seasonality" is a driving force for the coffee and tea category. New sea- sonal flavors provided by FFS are Salted Caramel and Island Coconut Fudge. Single-serve Most research for the coffee industry has reported single serve is the impetus for increased growth in the gourmet coffee segment. As single serve machines offer the ability to produce hot coffee, tea and cocoa, tea companies are adding a broader choice, such as Green and Oolong teas and there have been added flavors to coffee and cocoa. Whether in a restaurant or coffee shop venue, tea or coffee, single-serve machines provide opportunities to experiment with flavor by the cup. Coca-Cola's decision to purchase a 10% stake in Keurig Green Mountain for $1.25 billion is evidence of the potential in this category. Keurig is developing a cold bever- age dispenser for the home that will let consumers make sodas, sports drinks and other beverages at home. Its competitor, SodaStream, which carbonizes flavorings into per- sonalized beverages, has already made big tracks into this trend. Recently it introduced flavor essence added to the caps, adding additional taste and smell experience. Crystal Light, Kool-Aid, Welches and Sunny Delight are some of the companies that currently have partnerships with SodaStream. Pepsico soon after announced a deal with Beyvz. Transparency Just as important as quality, consumers want to know how flavors are made. Are they natural? Organic? Transparency has moved into the global market place. For the Eu- ropean market, Michael Ackermann, head of sales Germany, Austria and Switzerland, for flavor house, Frey & Lau GmbH, concludes the popularity of individual portions has spurred the company to produce an increased range of flavors, focusing on au- thenticity and transparency. Customers question purity of flavors and products. "They want to know more about the quality of ingredients of tea – what goes into it," said Ackermann. "That applies for tea in the discount supermarket as well as for organic tea in health food shops." Innovation For the thirsty traveler that wants to make a quick stop for petrol and a cup of cof- fee, the beverage section may be overwhelming. Flavor & Fragrance Specialties is the category leader in providing direct additive flavors to hot and cold beverages found in C-Stores and QSR's, said FF&S's Nichols. "Customers may select, add the amount they want or mix together their own blend." With so many flavor and beverage selec- tions available, FF&S maintains nine flavors that work best for consumers dispensing from bottles or machines. Mixing and blending are not the only innovative ideas to flavorings. Packaging gives consumers handy way to carry around their favorite flavor adding to tea, water, coffee, even a salad. Individual packets of powdered flavor mixes have evolved into liquid, sugar-free concentrates that are sugar-free or low calorie. Jackie Hartman tastes fresh brewed coffee at Flavor & Fragrance Specialties.