The floral flavour trends isn’t entirely new, but it’s certainly evolving. In 2024, according to a recent report from Innova Market Insights 33% of consumers have actively sought more floral flavours in their food and drink. Compared to other botanical flavour categories tracked by Innova, floral flavours in food and beverage launches are growing at the fastest rate, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%, compared to herb flavours (7.1% CAGR) and spice flavours (5.6% CAGR).
Marieke Bokkes, a market analyst at Innova Market Insights stated that “Hibiscus, chamomile, and rose are the top floral flavours we see in new product launches in the past five years and all of these three are showing a growing trend,”. She added “Some other growing flavours in new product launches are cherry blossom (CAGR 2019-2023: +8%) and chrysanthemum (CAGR 2019-2023: +8).”
The fastest-growing floral flavours from 2018 to 2023 include chamomile (33% CAGR), peach blossom (23% CAGR) and honeysuckle (19% CAGR).
This year, floral notes are finding their way into everything from artisanal cocktails to everyday cafe offerings, reflecting a broader trend of botanical and natural ingredients in the food and beverage industry
Why is the trend for floral flavours increasing?
The rising popularity of floral flavours is closely linked to their perceived health benefits. Consumers associate botanical ingredients with wellness and sustainability, contributing to their increased presence in food and beverage products. Innova’s research points out that floral flavours like hibiscus, chamomile, and rose are favoured not only for their taste but also for their health-enhancing properties, which are becoming crucial factors in consumer purchasing decisions.
Top Trending Floral Flavours
Rose:
Rose brings a romantic and subtly sweet flavour to beverages, often used in rose water or rose petal infusions. Its light and floral profile pairs beautifully with a range of flavours, including vanilla, lychee, and strawberry, making it a popular choice for summer drinks.
Lavender:
Lavender continues to be a superstar in the floral flavour scene. Its distinct, soothing aroma and versatility make it a favourite among baristas and mixologists alike. This year, you’ll find lavender featured in an array of beverages, from lattes and lemonades to energy drinks and craft cocktails. Lavender pairs well with flavours like honey, vanilla, and blueberry, adding a delicate yet pronounced floral note that complements both sweet and savoury drinks.
Cherry Blossom:
Cherry blossom, or sakura, offers a light, slightly sweet flavour that embodies the essence of spring. Often associated with Japanese culture, cherry blossom flavours are gaining global popularity, appearing in drinks such as sakura lattes, cocktails, and teas. The subtle sweetness of cherry blossom pairs well with flavours like lychee, peach, and matcha, creating a delicate and refreshing taste.
Orange Blossom:
Orange blossom, derived from the flowers of the orange tree, offers a unique blend of citrusy and floral notes. This flavour is making waves in the beverage industry, particularly in coffee and cocktail creations. Its refreshing and slightly sweet profile pairs wonderfully with vanilla, honey, and ginger, making it a versatile addition to summer drinks.
Hibiscus:
Hibiscus is known for its vibrant colour and tart flavour, often described as cranberry-like. It’s a popular choice for iced teas and cocktails, offering a refreshing tang that balances well with sweeter ingredients. Hibiscus pairs well with flavours like ginger, lemon, and cranberry, making it a standout option for summer beverages.
Jasmine:
Jasmine is prized for its intensely fragrant aroma and subtle, sweet flavour. Often associated with jasmine tea, this floral flavour is making its way into a variety of beverages, including lattes, cocktails, and lemonades. Jasmine pairs beautifully with flavours like peach, honey, and mango, adding an exotic twist to summer drinks.
Chamomile:
Chamomile continues to expand its presence beyond calming teas, finding its way into both sweet and savoury dishes. Its lightly herbaceous and zen-like qualities are adding a new dimension to culinary creations. It is recognized as one of the fastest growing floral flavours in the food and beverage sector.
Sustainability Perceptions
The preference for floral flavours extends beyond their health benefits, enhancing their appeal through perceived sustainability.
Lu Ann Williams, global insights director at Innova, explained in a recent webinar that the increased interest in such flavours is being driven by consumers’ growing association between botanical food and beverage products and health and sustainability benefits.
Lionel Hitchen: Crafting Innovative Floral Pairings
Lionel Hitchen is leading the charge in the floral flavour revolution with unique beverage pairings that resonate with today’s trends. Our flavours capture the essence of natural botanicals, offering a sophisticated and modern twist to traditional drinks. Below are just some of the standout pairings developed by our Creative Solutions team, that align with the floral trend:
Aromatic & Herbaceous Combinations
Blood Orange & Basil Sparkling Drink: The vibrant zest of blood orange paired with the fresh, peppery notes of basil creates a refreshing and fragrant sparkling drink perfect for summer.
Sicilian Lemon & Rosemary Sparkling Beverage: The citrusy brightness of Sicilian lemon combined with aromatic rosemary offers a sophisticated and refreshing twist, ideal for premium sparkling beverages.
Ginger & Rosemary Beverage: Combining the warmth of ginger with the herbal notes of rosemary provides a comforting yet invigorating drink experience.
Fruit & Floral Fusion
Apple, Black Cherry & Lemon Basil Soda: A delightful blend of crisp apple, rich black cherry, and the unique citrus-herb flavour of lemon basil, this soda offers a multi-layered taste sensation.
Blood Orange, Apricot & Basil: The tartness of blood orange and the sweetness of apricot enhanced by the peppery freshness of basil make this a complex and satisfying flavour combination.
Clementine & Ginger + Sage: The sweet tang of clementine melds with the spiciness of ginger and the earthy, savoury notes of sage, delivering a well-rounded and aromatic drink.
Bold & Intriguing Profiles
Blood Orange, Rosemary & Olive Gin Cocktail: This unique cocktail pairing blends the tartness of blood orange with the herbal complexity of rosemary and the subtle umami of olive, offering a sophisticated and adventurous flavour profile.
Fig, Rosemary & Black Pepper Beverage: A bold combination where the sweetness of fig meets the aromatic notes of rosemary and the subtle spice of black pepper, providing a drink that is both intriguing and balanced.
Conclusion
The floral flavour trend is more than a fleeting fascination; it represents a growing consumer desire for natural, aromatic, and health-conscious beverages. Lionel Hitchen’s innovative flavour pairings not only align with this trend but also elevate it, providing unique and sophisticated options for the modern palate. As floral flavours continue to bloom in popularity, Lionel Hitchen stands out, offering exquisite and memorable taste experiences that capture the essence of nature’s finest blooms.
Explore Lionel Hitchen’s full range of flavours and discover how these floral-inspired pairings can elevate your beverage offerings.
Sources:
https://www.ingredientsnetwork.com/innova-research-highlights-how-floral-flavours-news124195.html
