IFT First Review
Cracking the code
t the recent IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo held in Chicago from July 14-17, 2024, the Almond Board of California (ABC) showcased some of the most exciting advancements in almond-
based products, spotlighting innovation and versatility. The event was a testament to the progress made in utilising almonds in diverse and creative ways, thanks to insights from cutting-edge AI tools and student competitions. The Almond Board of California, a key player in promoting the almond industry, celebrated the culmination of its 2024 Tastemaker Trials. This student competition, which began in late-January, invited California State University, Fresno students to develop new product concepts using AI-driven insights from the Tastewise platform. The challenge focused on setting a new standard for “intentional indulgence” in snacks, pushing participants to explore healthier, more versatile uses of almonds.
The winning concept: Billion Dollar Energy The standout winner of this year’s competition was the “Billion Dollar Energy” team, whose Almond Brownie Energy Cups impressed judges with their innovative approach to snacking. These vegan, multi-layered energy cups feature almonds in every stage of their creation. The concept taps into a growing trend, with energy bites seeing a 21% increase in social media discussions from February 2023 to February 2024.
The Almond Brownie Energy Cups are crafted 16 Kennedy’s Confection July 2024
on snacking A
L-R Harbinder and Kiran
Kiran Grewal speaks with Harbinder Maan, Associate Director of trade marketing and stewardship at the Almond Board of California, to discuss the latest innovations in almond-based food products and consumer insights that drive them.
from almond flour and puréed dates, creating a chocolatey brownie batter. This is layered with almond butter, vegan almond-flavoured caramel, and pea protein crisps for texture. Topped with sweet almond marzipan, a chocolate drizzle, and crushed almonds, the snack offers a luxurious yet healthier option for those seeking “intentional indulgence.”
Judges were impressed by the team’s detailed explanation of their product’s formulation and their clear alignment with the competition’s theme. The product’s ability to provide a medium glycemic load while delivering protein and fibre was noted as a significant achievement.
AI-Driven insights and innovation Harbinder Maan, Associate Director of Trade Marketing and Stewardship at the Almond Board of California, highlighted the role of AI in shaping these innovations. “The Tastewise platform provided critical insights into consumer preferences, allowing us to focus on themes like intentional indulgence and sustainability,” Maan explained. “We saw that Gen Z and millennials are particularly interested in products that blend nutritional benefits with sensory experiences, and our competition’s concepts reflect this.” Maan also pointed out that almonds’ versatility played a key role in the competition. “From almond milk to almond flour, and from almond butter to roasted almonds, the range of textures and flavours that almonds can offer is remarkable. We wanted students to explore these possibilities and come up with unique product ideas,” Maan said.
Trends and future directions
The competition revealed three major trends that are shaping the future of almond-based products: Intentional Indulgence: Consumers are seeking snacks that offer indulgence without compromising on health. Almonds, with their ability to deliver a satisfying crunch and a range of textures, are perfectly suited to meet this demand.
Eco-Conscious Eating: Younger generations are increasingly interested in sustainability and the origins of their food. Products like the Almond Brownie Energy Cups align with these values, using almonds in a way that supports environmental responsibility.
Connectivity through Consumption: Gen Z and millennials also want small treats that create shareable sensory experiences and indulgent escapes. Innovations such as the almond brownie energy cups, with their varied textures and rich flavours, cater to this desire.
Maan expressed excitement about these trends and their implications for the almond industry. “We’re seeing a growing interest in how almonds can be used in various forms to create products that are both nutritious and enjoyable. It’s an exciting time for almond innovation.” As the Almond Board of California continues to explore new possibilities and foster creativity in the industry, the impact of these trends and innovations promises to shape the future of snacking. With the success of the Tastemaker Trials and the insights gained from AI tools, the future of almond-based products looks both promising and delicious.
KennedysConfection.com
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