Global trends

Prepared Foods, August, 2005

Fruits and vegetables comprise a market segment with a limited scope for innovation in terms of formulation and recipes; hence, a new package or format often makes these products stand out. Vergers d'Anjou's Zapple in France is the latest example of innovation within a very dormant sector. The product concept is very simple: an apple cut in slices and conveniently packaged in a "freshness" sachet. It can be taken anywhere and consumed at any time (in packed lunches, for instance).

In the tradition of such Latin American grain varieties as cereales (grains) and fibras (fiber), Mexican consumers have served witness to a significant rise in bakery and snack products with linaza (linseed) and amaranto (amaranth) grains as primary flavors and ingredients. The grains are touted for the numerous health benefits they provide, including disease prevention, facilitation of everyday bodily function and vitamin enrichment.

In Germany, Bergader launched a range of "snack-bars" with a difference. They comprise a slice of dark whole-meal bread and a slice of Bergader cheese. The individually wrapped snack bar is free from preservatives and is available in two flavors: plain and chili-paprika.

Although not a completely new idea, it is nonetheless interesting to see savory snack flavors continuing to become more dish-specific, rather than focusing on broad regional flavors such as Italian, Mexican or Greek. Pizza-, Bolognese- and even shish kebab-flavored potato snacks can be found. However, new in Germany from Lorenz Bahlsen Snack-World, under its Bahlsen savory snack brand, is an enchilada potato snack variety. As with the Mexican enchilada meal, the new snacks are said to have a tomato and kidney bean flavor with a chili kick.

Summer has arrived and, with it, barbecue season and outdoor eating time. It used to be that the only option for a vegetarian would be the same old veggie burgers and veggie sausages. However, in Germany, Emmi launched a range of soft marinated cheese chunks, ready for the pan or the barbecue, offering vegetarian consumers an alternative. Pfannli-Chas' marinated cheeses are manufactured with no additives, flavor enhancers or batter and are available in two varieties: barbecue and Provencale.

Launching a New Consumer Product?

If so, contact Christy Brinnehl at Mintel Group, 351 W. Hubbard St., Floor 8, Chicago, IL 60610. Call: 312-932-0600, Fax: 312-932-0474 or e-mail: CBrinnehl@mintel.com.

Information in this column is from the Global New Products Database, the premier source of global product intelligence, published by Mintel International Group.