Kerry has reviewed extensive research and examined global trends in emerging flavors in an effort to identify the top global taste trend in 2021. The result: Barbecue—in all the many variations that can arise when cooking with fire—is electrifying consumer appetites and elevating expectations for new and interesting flavors. This includes in snacks, meats, plant-based meat alternatives, vegetables, sauces, dips, marinades, and seasonings.
A total of 26 barbecue, smoke, and grill tastes were identified across Kerry’s Taste Charts in Europe, APMEA, North America, and the Latin American region. A dozen of these were considered “emerging”, while another five made the “up and coming” category. Meanwhile, Innova reports that one in every seven new products developed around the world is barbecue-focused, while in Europe, 43 percent of new food and beverage launches in 2021 featured barbecue as a component. Asia has the most potential, with new product launches up almost one-third (to 21 percent) in the last five years. In addition, more than 33 percent of all sauces and seasoning products launched during 2016–20 call out barbecue on the front of package, along with 30 percent of new snack products. Barbecue is now ranked number three on the list of top snack flavors globally, and fifth in meat flavors (“smoked” is number one).