Pantone is well known for releasing its annual Color of the Year. For the first time, the company introduced two color shades — Rose Quartz and Serenity — as the 2016 Pantone Colors of the Year. Both softer colors, Pantone explains that the colors were chosen for their balance between the warming embrace of a rose tone complemented by the cooler yet tranquil tone of the soft blue shade. Although releasing the Color of the Year typically results in an influx of fashion trends surrounding the color or colors, flavor trends are not as clear-cut. Ingredient suppliers note that beverage-makers are more concerned about selecting flavors that complement macro trends instead of looking for the hottest “it” flavor.

“What is apparently different and noticeable this year is that companies developing new food and beverage products are less concerned about what the ‘newest in flavor’ will be that will interest the consumer,” says Anton Angelich, group vice president of marketing for Virginia Dare, Brooklyn, N.Y. “They see less of a shift from previous years in new flavors appearing that can drive larger new product opportunities. They are largely focusing on ‘getting the product right.’”