Flavor Drop: Dragon fruit & Pear

Posted: October 14, 2024
In: Trends

The Trend: Exotic True-to-fruit

The Flavor: Dragon fruit

For older generations, Dragon fruit (also called pitaya) might be a mere curiosity, a peculiar fruit with vibrant pink skin and white flesh speckled with tiny black seeds. It was often relegated to exotic fruit displays, a novelty rather than a staple. But for those who grew up in Southeast Asia, Dragon fruit held a special place in their hearts. It was a symbol of home, a taste of childhood, and a reminder of simpler times. Over the years, Dragon fruit has gained popularity in Western countries. However, it is often still seen as an exotic fruit, a trendy ingredient for Instagram-worthy dishes, though market activity beyond Starbucks’ Pink Drink continues to forge the path for this memorable magenta fruit that is often paired with Strawberry.

Recent launches include Potbelly’s Craft Strawberry Dragon fruit Refresher, Duck Donuts Raspberry Dragon fruit Refresher, Starbucks Spicy Dragon fruit Lemonade Refresher, Acti+ Clean Energy Drink in Strawberry & Dragon fruit, and JuiceLand Strawberry Dragon fruit Lemonade.

Dragon fruit-inspired market products:

The Trend: True-to-fruit

The Flavor: Pear

A pear is more than just a fruit; it’s a taste of autumn, a memory of simpler times. Its crisp, juicy flesh, sweet yet slightly tart, is a comforting embrace on a chilly day. The aroma is a delicate blend of floral and fruity notes, reminiscent of a crisp fall afternoon. The texture is a perfect balance of soft and firm, making it a satisfying and satisfying snack – perfect for a charcuterie board, or even embedded in cheese, as seen in a recent launch from Trader Joes – a White Stilton cheese with Apple & Pear.

Where else do we see this underrepresented and versatile flavor that’s searched for globally over 500k times monthly¹?

Voila! THC and CBD Sparkling Water in Peach Pear, Organic Traditions Pear Supergreens Blend, Cawston Press frozen Apple & Pear fruit water, a Spicy Pear Cocktail collaboration between Tajin and the Pear Bureau Northwest for National Cocktail Day (July 9), and even a Pink Champagne body lotion from eos that has Pear Champagne, Ruby Pomegranate, and notes of Plum suede.

Consumers on TikTok are demonstrating a growing love for pears, showcasing their versatility in a variety of culinary applications. This is a strong indicator of the fruit’s potential as a promising ingredient or flavor for retail and food service offerings.

Here’s a snapshot of some popular pear-based TikTok trends:

Cinnamon-Spiced Caramelized Pears: A classic comfort food with a modern twist.
Yogurt and Cinnamon Toppings: A simple yet delicious way to enjoy pears.
Canning Pears: Preserving the taste of fresh pears for year-round enjoyment.
Spiced Pear Jam: A flavorful spread for toast, pastries, or cheese.
Pear Dumpcake: A quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Glass-Poached Pears: An elegant and visually appealing dish.

By incorporating pear flavor into your products, you can tap into this growing trend and offer consumers innovative, delicious options.

Pear-inspired market products and recipes:

To request flavors, whether from this drop or any of the 20k flavors in our library, simply click the button at the bottom of the page or email marketing@imbibeinc.com. And if you’re seeking further inspiration, don’t forget to explore our previous Drops for a plethora of inspiring ideas.