Comax is not venturing too far afield with many of its collections. Several of these flavors—salted caramel, cookie dough, maple, turmeric, honey lavender, and rosé—started appearing in ice cream, water, rice, candy, and wine either this year or earlier. Salted caramel appears to have lasting appeal, as consumers enjoy salty and sweet treats. Halo Top has recently introduced a sea salt caramel flavor to its vegan range, and cookie dough firmly maintains its spot in the lineup of low-calorie ice creams.
Maple is likely to gain even more visibility, as it competes with pumpkin and coconut for use in water, yogurt, salad dressings, and other products. It is viewed as a healthier alternative to processed sugar and also evokes a sense of seasonal charm related to autumn. There are probably additional applications left to explore.
Rosé may have reached its peak due to excessive exposure in recent years, so its continued popularity will depend on the loyalty of its fans. It is difficult to envision how much pinker drinks can become, but seasonal opportunities for light summer beverages are unlikely to be overlooked in 2018.
The flavor potential for plant-based milks seems to be the most promising, as the demand for non-dairy products continues to grow. It’s easy to foresee various flavor combinations appearing in the refrigerated section, as dairy alternatives strive to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
On the other hand, whiskey pickle seems like a bold choice. It could resonate with adventurous consumers next year, particularly millennials, who were instrumental in whiskey’s 7.7% sales increase last year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. As companies look to target specific demographics, the concept of flavors like whiskey pickle may align with the Citracal target audience seeking unique experiences.
In summary, while many flavors have been established, there remains room for innovation, especially in appealing to niche markets like those interested in the Citracal target.