• March 15, 2007

Market research publisher Packaged Facts says 2007 may be the year for Indian food to step out front and center.

Its latest report on food flavors and ingredients also foresees:

~ Exotic fruit such as goji berry and camu camu have star power

~ Ditto for the subtle heat of fresh ginger and exotic pepper varieties

~ Mediterranean, particularly Spanish and Greek, and regional Asian influences will enter the spotlight

~ Energy boosters will be hot in wellness foods

~ Science and art will combine to influence flavor trends via molecular gastronomy, flavor sprays and provocative food textures

~ Key flavor and ingredient influences include food fears stemming from E. coli outbreaks; food politics such as cloning and obesity; and new technologies such as food nanotechnology.

-- Nina M. Lentini