Supermarket Perimeter - February 2021 - 29

J 

is for Jaggery. The traditional,
non-reﬁned cane sugar is
unspun, so the nutritious
molasses and crystals don't separate.
Used in cooking and in snacks, the
non-centrifugal sugar contains date or
palm sap. The golden-brown sweetener
is known as Gur in India, Namtan tanode
in Thailand,
Gula Melaka
in Malaysia
and Kokuto
in Japan.

K 

is for Kits for Meals. Perimeter
deli operators can remain
on the trend, offering Asianinspired meals for grab-and-go or online
meal kits with convenient delivery
options and/or contactless pickup. Paired
with accompanying traditional sauces
and spice blends, beverages and fresh
produce, consumers can have meals
created with indulgence or wellbeing in
mind. Gains in grab-and-go continue to
exceed 2019 levels, according to the 2020
IDDBA and IRI COVID Impact reports.

L 

is for Longevity and Health.
Continuing aftereffects of the
pandemic have pushed the
desire for functional ingredients to new
levels. The Food and Safety Survey found
85% of individuals have changed their
diet in some way. Three in four said
they plan to eat and drink healthier with
spotlights on natural immunity-boosting
ingredients such as honey, ginger,
turmeric and garlic that play prominent
roles in Asian cuisines. McCormick and
Co.'s Flavor Forecast spotlighted a 253%
increase in food and drink retail product
names featuring turmeric over the last
six years.

M 

is for MSG. Ajinomoto Co., a
leading producer of MSG, is
championing science to set
the record straight on MSG. The Ontariobased company created a new " Know
MSG " symbol as it looks to balance " No
MSG " signs with information about MSG,
supported by science. The " Know MSG "
campaign addresses the growing desire
for transparency in food and its origins.
The educational hub, knowmsg.com,
demonstrates how MSG is made through
fermentation, a natural process. As a
plant-derived seasoning, MSG provides
a savory umami ﬂavor with a 110-year
history of safety.

N 

is for Nutrition. The trend of
plant-based foods may not
qualify as a trend for much
longer. Introduction of plant-based foods
and beverages is expected to increase 10
to 20% annually through 2024, according
to the Specialty Food Association.
Dovetailing with values-based buying,
plant-based and ﬂexitarian eating
continues to provide a boost for those
looking for sustainable food options,
increased transparency and functional
ingredients that tap into physical and
mental wellbeing.

O 

is for Olympics. Postponed
because of the worldwide
pandemic, the 2021 Tokyo
Olympics are slated for July 23-Aug.
8 in Japan. As a result, some, such
as UK-based Dalziel
Ingredients, predict
Asian foods to be one
of the top trends for
summer 2021.

P 

is for Probiotics and
Postbiotics. Studied for
its anti-inﬂammatory and
antioxidant beneﬁts, probiotics may
bolster the immune system and improve
the gut barrier. EpiCor, a science-backed,
immune-supportive ingredient from
Cargill, Minneapolis, can infuse foods
its used in with superpowers. Postbiotics
are naturally found in sourdough bread
and kimchi.
www.supermarketperimeter.com

Q 

is for " Q " Factor. Considered
a key to good food in Taiwan,
" Q " is the degree of chewiness
and how it feels against the tongue and
teeth. Considered a complement, " Q " is
also an indication of freshness and at
times, ﬁrmness. (See C - Chewy)

R 

is for Reducing Stress.
Lingering stress, triggered
by ongoing unknowns, ﬁnds
consumers looking for foods to provide
comfort and wellbeing, improve mood,
soothe anxiety, combat depression and
support mental health. Highlighted in
Whole Foods' 2021 trends, the desire for
wellbeing will ﬁnd consumers seeking
out superfoods, fermented items like
sauerkraut and kimchi, fortiﬁed broths
and natural sources of probiotics.

S 

is for Sushi. Full-service
sushi from JFE Franchising,
Houston, offers consumers the
opportunity to see sushi chefs making
fresh sushi in front of them. Graband-go options, located in kiosks by the
deli or near the seafood section, offer
sushi made fresh daily. In deli prepared,
deli sushi dollar sales are $1,377,196,085,
which is up 8.2% vs YA (for the latest 52
weeks ending 11-29-20) and volume sales
at $91,630,614.

T 

is for Traditional Deli. Taking
a look beyond traditional
seasonings offers an
opportunity to create an updated focus
on Asian ﬂavors such as the inclusion
of sriracha in deli meats and sides to
jump-start interest. Don't forget to crossmerchandise at the deli counter with
pantry staples such as Japanese mayo, a
food blogger favorite, and bags of dried
nori for snacking.
FEBRUARY 2021 - 29
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Supermarket Perimeter - February 2021

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