News and Trends

03 APRIL 2024, 07:00 AM FOOD & DRINK In a world that revolves around fast-moving innovation, when it comes to pudding consumers want a fix of tradition Retro. Traditional. Old-fashioned. Nostalgic. It doesn’t matter how many times trendsetters bang the drum about ‘the next big thing’ in flavours – what the average consumer really craves is  comfort . And it’s rather ironic that what’s ‘trending’ right now across many categories of food and drink is time-honoured treats. Since the peak of the Covid pandemic, retailers and insight analysts have repeatedly cited familiarity as a key sales driver. Riding on the wings of this ‘new wave’ of interest in the classics are  ice cream  and desserts.  Kantar  reported a growth of 10% in the market during the 12 months to November 26, 2023, with the  British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF)  attributing this largely to the re-emerging trend of the ‘big night in’ as people continue to spend more on entertaining wit...

Retailers often call it the ‘lipstick effect’ – the act of people cheering themselves up with cheap little treats in times of hardship. Rather than taking a hit during the cost-of-living crisis, it seems consumers are still making time for sweet treats and other all-important little indulgences. After revealing that  nearly a quarter (24%) of its consumers  said they like to treat themselves to a nice dessert on the weekends, Waitrose is calling it the ‘pudding effect’. In fact, according to the high-end supermarket, nearly a third (30%) of its shoppers have confessed they’re buying even more treats than ever as they embrace the concept of ‘edible escapism’. Over the years, FMCG brands and manufacturers have had to adapt classic dessert staples to meet the tastes of a more modern audience. For example, Sainsbury’s introduced a new caramelised biscuit Christmas pudding last year, while Aldi offered a firecracker pudding infused with orange and chilli and M&S launched a cher...

www.caterlyst.com 27th April 2020 Brits love desserts and cakes, from sticky toffee pudding to tiramisu, and dessert experts at Jackandbeyond.com have revealed the top sweet treats. The survey, which asked 1,788 UK consumers what their preferences are, showed the nation’s favourite desserts and cakes are the famous sticky toffee pudding, mouth- watering profiteroles, the classy but sassy red velvet and the spot-hitting tiramisu. When it comes to the second level of favourites, the top tier desserts include the quintessential British Victoria Sponge, brownies, bakewell tart, and the not-so British but much-loved eclairs. Rated 'good' was cheesecake, marble cake, Madeira cake, and Swiss roll, followed by chocolate mousse, bread & butter pudding, artic roll and apple crumble. Next up came treacle tart, Eton mess, spotted dick, egg custard tarts. At the other end of the table, is fruit cake, angel cake, and mince pies, followed by Christmas pudding. Brits placed rice pudding...

Lately, there has been a growing demand for mini pastries. Small-sized gourmet baked treats are more popular than ever as customers are attracted to the delicious flavor without feeling guilty. This bite-sized trend has been on the rise for a while now but has fully hit its stride and bakeries are reaping the benefits of its recent spike in popularity. The trend is most likely due in part to the weight-consciousness of consumers today. Bakeries worldwide are reducing their portion sizes to fit people’s dieting regimens. Bakers will also tell you a major benefit to mini sizes is that they are less wasteful. Compared to having full-sized cakes and pies, the mini pastries are more practical. There are also reports that mini pastries are selling more than their full-sized counterparts! For those bakers not taking full advantage of this trend, or for those who are but looking for a way to streamline the process of baking small, there are ways to help. Bakery equip...

What’s New in Desserts Looking for the latest desserts to die for? Then you’ve come to the right place! This “New in Desserts” guide for bakers, chefs, patisserie owners, and anyone working in the food industry will tickle your taste buds, make your mouth water, and fill your customers’ palate with delectable delights. The latest trends in dessert menus are innovative, creative, outrageous, and simply divine… The Latest Desserts Reflect Food Industry Trends So, what makes this year’s sweets and confectionaries such a standout? If you’re been following up-and-coming food industry trends, you already know that demand for healthy, more nutritious foods is on the rise, as is consumer craving for savory and exotic tastes, wholesome non-run-of-the-mill grains, nostalgic comfort foods, and tropical flavors. This year’s hottest desserts reflect these trends, as evidenced in recipes with a ‘better-for-you’ spin and in unprecedented concoctions such as hummus shakes...