Dutch Spices welcomes sharing its knowledge and experience via the media and other channels. Recently two Technical papers from Dutch Spices were distributed, including via Food Ingredients First. The first was titled ‘Freedom of taste’ for food producers and consumers with a food allergy or intolerance. The second Technical Paper, titled ‘Food from niche to mainstream’, looks at consumers’ choice of certain food products and then underlying trends behind this choice.
Food production companies keep a very close watch on consumer choice trends. This enables them to respond flexibly to changing wishes and demands so they can offer flavoursome products that reflect these changes. They are also mindful that millions of people around the world have special dietary requirements or wishes: people with a food allergy or intolerance for example, or people who wish to live in accordance with halal, vegan or flexitarian guidelines.
As a result of all these developments, over the past four years the number of new products claiming to be ‘gluten free’ has risen by 21%. During the same period the number of new products claiming to be ‘lactose free’ has risen by an astounding 84%.
Together vegetarians, pescatarians and flexitarians now make up nearly 31% of the European population (source: Innova Markets Insights. Categories: Meat Substitutes, Ready Meals & Side Dishes, Snacks. Area: West Europe (2018 – 2022)). This means nearly a third of all the people in Europe no longer consider themselves to be a fully-fledged carnivore.
Islam is the second most practiced religion in Europe and nearly half the followers of Islam in Europe also follow the halal guidelines in respect of what they eat and how their food is prepared.
Food production companies and brand owners may state gluten free, lactose free, vegetarian and halal claims on their product packaging if these claims meet the applicable legal requirements. One factor in this is that consumers’ food choice is (partially) determined by this type of claim.
Smaller markets, also known as niche markets, are often the first to fulfil a new need of a large consumer group. This allows them to develop into a larger market or even become ‘mainstream’.
As all Dutch Spices’ herb and spice mixes, marinades and sauces are allergen-safe and also suitable for consumers living in accordance with vegan and/or halal guidelines, these seasonings enable food professionals to offer a uniquely varied range of products and thus allow a large group of consumers to enjoy food that is full of flavour. At Dutch Spices we call this ‘Freedom of taste’
For more information, please contact us.
This Technical Paper is also distributed through Food Ingredients First.
Butcher Westy gave a demonstration at Clark’s Family Butchers. The aim was to work together to develop concepts that meet the needs and wishes of a rejuvenated neighbourhood.
Butcher Westy has already inspired many people in many ways, including through demonstrations on location and recipes and videos shared on social media.
Influencer Jonny West (Butcher Westy) is now a Dutch Spices collaboration partner in the UK along with wholesalers Gastrome and DB Foods.
Dutch Spices regularly participates in knowledge-sharing activities. Recently a Technical Paper was distributed via Food Ingredients First.
