Chef Roger Mooking loves giving traditional dishes an exotic twist on his Food Network Canada TV show “Everyday Exotic.” Consumers’ desire for exotic flavors also has helped push tropical fruits into mainstream beverage formulations. Yet, ingredient suppliers note that the growing demand for exotic fruits also taps into broader, mainstream trends.
“Formulations with exotic fruits are definitely on the rise,” says Jennifer Smith, product development supervisor for Northwest Naturals, Bothell, Wash. “The demand for more health-focused blends is pushing this demand forward. People are more health conscious with their food and beverage choices and want to know [that] what they are consuming is beneficial for them.”