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Bell Showcases Authentic Tastes Supporting the Industry’s Push for Clean Label Initiatives

Bell Flavors & Fragrances Showcases Authentic Tastes
Supporting the Industry’s Push for Clean Label Initiatives

 

Global Flavor & Fragrance Company’s USDA Kettle Crafted Meat Flavors Enhance Natural
Flavor Profiles and Streamline Ingredients Lists

NORTHBROOK, Illinois – November 30, 2023 – In response to rapidly growing interest in clean label claims, Bell introduces a new line of USDA Kettle Cooked Meat Flavors. These flavors, including Free Range Chicken, Grass-Fed Beef and Organic Turkey, enhance a product’s natural broth flavor profile while maintaining a cleaner label.

Developed at Bell’s Technology and Innovation Center, a USDA-certified facility located at the company’s global headquarter that unites diverse expertise under one roof and rapidly produces customized flavors with a clean label, USDA Kettle Cooked Meat Flavors fulfill both consumer expectations and manufacturer needs.

“Bell’s investment into this vertical, bolsters our capability to meet growing consumer demand for clear and simple labels, with flavoring food stuffs made from real meat,” states Peter Gollmer, Bell’s Director of Savory Business Development.

Consumer interest in foods and beverages that present a clean label is at an all-time high. In fact, 78% of U.S. shoppers will pay higher prices for clean label products (Food Navigator-USA, 2023). Today’s consumer expects full transparency on the ingredients incorporated into the products they purchase and demands comprehensive information on the impact of their choices from an environmental, social and health standpoint, with 64% willing to switch brands if a competitor offers more detailed product information (Food Navigator-USA, 2023). Simply put, they’re reaching for products that contain natural, minimally processed ingredients, are free from harmful ingredients and are ethically produced.

In line with consumer desires, Bell’s USDA Kettle Crafted Meat Flavors are made from organic ingredients, crafted in small batches, and cooked “low and slow” for an authentic flavor experience. In addition to being non-GMO and containing minimally processed flavor and color, they can be customized to fit a variety of culinary and application needs, such as soups and broths, seasoning blends, sauces and more.

To validate flavor efficacy and integrity, Bell’s Sensory & Consumer Science team has evaluated each flavor with trained panelists to understand the impact in corresponding broths. The verdict: All broth flavors maintained the shape of the broth profile while enhancing select flavor attributes.

To learn more about Bell’s USDA Kettle Crafted Meat Flavors and request samples, view this educational brochure.

About Bell Flavors & Fragrances:

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. is a leading supplier of flavors, fragrances, botanical extracts and ingredient specialties to the food and beverage industry, as well as the household care and personal care industries, offering over 100 years of exceptional customer service and experience. Bell has 11 manufacturing plants worldwide including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Germany, India, Singapore, and China, with sales offices in more than 90 countries. Bell’s global presence allows flexibility in the world marketplace while constantly responding to emerging industry trends with solutions that bring added value and business opportunities to our customers. www.bellff.com

Bell Flavors & Fragrances – Get in touch with taste.®

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Bell Flavors & Fragrances to Debut Alcohol-Inspired Flavor Menu at 2023- 2024 Regional IFT Roadshow

Bell Flavors & Fragrances to Debut Alcohol-Inspired Flavor Menu at 2023- 2024 Regional IFT Roadshow

 

Global Flavors and Fragrances Company Aims to Inspire the Science of Food Community with ‘Sippable’ Flavors for Food & Beverage Innovation

 

NORTHBROOK, Illinois – October 30, 2023 –

An annual tradition, Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. (Bell) is hitting the road once again to exhibit at the Institute of Food Technologists’ (IFT) 2023-2024 Regional Section Suppliers’ Nights/Events. Spanning coast-to-coast across the United States, IFT’s Regional Sections encourage professionals steeped in the science of food to make strategic connections at a local level. These engaging events provide the opportunity for networking and education, while allowing suppliers to debut their latest products and services supporting the science of food community.

Bell recently wrapped up their 2022-2023 roadshow, having exhibited at the Minnesota Section IFT Annual Suppliers’ Expo (October 11) and the Longhorn Section IFT Suppliers Night & Food Industry Expo (October 12). During this time, the team debuted a menu featuring citrus flavors, showcasing concepts that delivered sweet-tart tastes from varietal and specialty citrus profiles to ignite tastebuds and broaden palates.

“The Bell team is gearing up for upcoming IFT Regional Section Suppliers’ Events, and we’re excited to debut our new menu, bursting with familiar yet treasured beer, wine, spirits and hops flavors. And, best of all? You can savor the flavor without the burn,” said Casey Schallert, Senior Corporate Chef at Bell Flavors & Fragrances.

Schallert notes, “We’re starting at homebase for the IFT organization and a city close to our global headquarters, Chicago, and will be making our way across the country, spanning Southern California to the Northeast. As consumers continue to prioritize their own health and wellness journeys, many are exploring sober-curious lifestyles. For our menu this year, we’re leaning into this concept while recognizing that alcohol flavors aren’t just reserved for beverages. We’re here to inspire our industry colleagues to take product development to the next level and explore the inclusion of these flavors in confections, snacks and sweet treats.”

Today’s consumer seeks alcoholic beverage options that fit their lifestyle and support mood enhancement and stress reduction, whether it’s a refreshing ready-to-drink seltzer or sippable, botanically infused mocktail. With 1 in 4 U.S. consumers looking for flavor blends in beverages and showing interest in new and unique taste profiles (Mintel, 2023), exotic, floral and tropical flavors are winning over tastebuds. However, tried and true classics, such as whiskey sours and rich red wines, will never go out of style.

Bell offers a wide variety of alcohol inspired and complementary flavors, ranging from full-bodied bourbon to delightfully sweet mango. Also, individual hop varietals and technologies that support an enjoyable sipping experience, such as alcohol boosters and smoothers. Alcohol flavors continue to be infused in a variety of applications that look beyond the glass, and their versatility. Their ability to be incorporated into familiar foods that consumers know and love is undeniably appealing.

Inspired by consumer trends and marketing insights, Bell will debut the following menu items featuring alcohol-based flavors at booth #105:

New York Sour Trail Mix
Featuring Bell’s Malbec Type, Bourbon and Lemon Lime Flavors

 

 

 

 


Cocktail Gummy Worms
Featuring the following Bell flavor profiles:

Tequila + Lime: Tequila Type, Peruvian Lime Type and Alcohol Booster Type Flavors
Paloma: Tequila Type, Peruvian Lime Type, Alcohol Booster Type and Ruby Red Grapefruit Type Flavors
Tequila Sunrise: Tequila Type, Alcohol Booster Type, Cherry and Blood Orange Flavors


Spicy Mango Mezcal Tepache Mocktail
Featuring Bell’s Pineapple (Fermented Type), Mango and Tequila (Mezcal Type) Flavors + Heat Sensate

 

 

 

 

Mango IPA Popcorn
Featuring Bell’s Mango IPA Beer Type and Hop (Hallertau + Tettnang Type) Flavors

 

 

 

 

Chocolate Stout Oatmeal Bar
Featuring Bell’s Chocolate, Beer (Stout Type) and Butterscotch Type Flavors

 

 

 

 

 

Take a Bite (and Sip!) Out of Alcohol Flavors at Booth #105 in Chicago, IL

Bell’s presence at the Chicago IFT Annual Expo & Symposium will not only offer buyers and key decision makers a one-stop-shop for networking and collaboration, but the unique chance to engage in a multi-sensorial experience featuring alcohol flavors.

Visit Bell’s booth to connect with our Sales, Marketing and Beverage, Sweet and Savory Applications teams. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample must-try creations, pick up educational flavor and taste technology resources, and get a whiff of delicious scents via our alcohol flavor box.

About Bell Flavors & Fragrances:

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. is a leading supplier of flavors, fragrances, botanical extracts and ingredient specialties to the food and beverage industry, as well as the household care and personal care industries, offering over 100 years of exceptional customer service and experience. Bell has 11 manufacturing plants worldwide including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Germany, India, Singapore, and China, with sales offices in more than 90 countries. Bell’s global presence allows flexibility in the world marketplace while constantly responding to emerging industry trends with solutions that bring added value and business opportunities to our customers. www.bellff.com

Bell Flavors & Fragrances – Get in touch with taste.™

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Bell Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer and Activates Key Appointments at U.S. Headquarter

Bell Flavors & Fragrances Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer and Activates Key Appointments at U.S. Headquarter

 

Global Flavors and Fragrance Company Poised for Strategic Growth and Business Development

NORTHBROOK, Illinois – September 19, 2023

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. (Bell) is proud to announce its new Chief Financial Officer, Allan Kaplan, as well as strategic promotions within the company’s Finance and IT departments and Culinary and Flavor division at its headquarter in Northbrook, IL.

“This promotion is an exciting testament to Allan’s perseverance and hard work throughout his career.  Allan has shown tremendous unwavering dedication to his team, and his colleagues, friends and family are excited to see him take on this new challenge. He shows that he cares about his team by continuously investing his time and energy in positive, professional relationships. I congratulate Allan on his promotion to CFO and wish him continued success,” exclaimed Ron Stark, President & CEO.

Allan M. Kaplan has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer at Bell’s headquarter in Northbrook, IL. In his 10+ years with Bell, Allan has assumed positions of increased responsibilities, most recently serving as the Vice President of Finance. In his new role, he will oversee Bell’s Finance and Accounting departments, ensuring adherence to corporate accounting policies and procedures, and serve as a member of the Company’s Executive Management Committee.

Allan has played an integral leadership role during Bell’s domestic and international ERP implementations and has developed strong relationships across the globe in order to understand our business operations and endeavors in each country.

Allan earned his Bachelor of Science degree in accountancy from DePaul University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

“I see the CFO as picture painter. By utilizing ever-changing financial data, the role of the CFO is to understand the drivers behind the company’s financial information and present that data in a clear, precise format. Doing so correctly provides the Executive Management Team with the information necessary to guide the company toward achieving its strategic corporate goals” states Allan M. Kaplan, Chief Financial Officer.

Cristalle Keane takes on the position of Vice President, Sweet & Dairy; Flavor Creation & Application at Bell’s headquarter in Northbrook, IL. In this new role, she will continue to lead the Flavorist team and drive business development and innovation in sweet and dairy flavor applications.

Cristalle has worked at Bell for 23 years and has been essential in inspiring Bell’s Flavorists to be best in class for creativity as well as ingredient replacers and extenders, and establishing a sound analytical and sensory driven duplication process.

Cristalle earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Elmhurst University and is a Certified Flavorist.

Chris Warsow has been promoted to Vice President, Savory & Culinary; Flavor Creation, Application & Delivery Systems at Bell’s headquarter in Northbrook, IL. In his new role, Chris will develop strategies for continued growth within Bell’s savory, culinary and delivery systems platforms.

Chris has worked at Bell for over 15 years, most recently serving as the Director of Culinary Application, Savory Flavor Development and Delivery Systems, and has been instrumental in launching Bell’s Technology and Innovation Center.

Chris holds a dual Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in food science from Michigan State. He is also an Executive Corporate Chef and member of the Research Chefs Association.

Mauro Batisteza assumes the role of Vice President, International Finance at Bell’s headquarter in Northbrook, IL. In his position, Mauro will partner closely with Bell’s international leaders to support business growth across its 60+ global locations.

Prior to joining Bell, he gained expertise in corporate FP&A, global treasury, strategic planning and mergers and acquisitions, and served as Chief Financial Officer of the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific regions.

Mauro holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Buenos Aires and a master’s degree in finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Mike Barron has been promoted to Vice President, Information Technology at Bell’s headquarter in Northbrook, IL, leading all aspects of Bell’s corporate information systems and technology programs.

Mike most recently held the role of Senior Director, Information Technology and has been deeply involved in strategic planning to ensure effective IT operations worldwide.

Mike earned his bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University, majoring in business administration with an emphasis in management information systems and holding a minor in accounting. He also possesses a Six Sigma Master Black Belt and is a Certified Scrum Master.

“I congratulate Mike on his well-earned promotion. His courage and dedication to creating change management culture has impacted Bell greatly. I know our company will do wonderful things under his IT leadership and I can’t wait to see Bell’s limitless future,” said Ron Stark, President & CEO.

Please join Bell Flavors & Fragrances in celebrating these significant career achievements as they deepen the company’s expertise and strategic mindset, and further propel Bell’s commitment to efficiency, quality and excellence for global customers.

About Bell Flavors & Fragrances:

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. is a leading supplier of flavors, fragrances, botanical extracts and ingredient specialties to the food and beverage industry, as well as the household care and personal care industries, offering over 100 years of exceptional customer service and experience. Bell has 11 manufacturing plants including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Germany, India, Singapore, and China, with over 90 operating sales offices worldwide. Bell’s global presence allows flexibility in the world marketplace while constantly responding to emerging industry trends with solutions that bring added value and business opportunities to our customers. www.bellff.com

Bell Flavors & Fragrances – The Key Ingredient of Your Brand.

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Bell Launches Citrus Campaign to Inspire Food, Beverage & Fragrance Marketplace Innovation

Bell Flavors & Fragrances Launches Citrus Campaign to Inspire Food, Beverage & Fragrance Marketplace Innovation

 

Citrus Fruits Provide Ripe Opportunity to Explore Flavors & Fragrances Beyond Iconic Tastes and Scents


NORTHBROOK, Illinois – September 21, 2023

Citrus, a beloved and refreshing fruit family, is prized by chefs and perfumers across the globe for its versatility, sweet-tart profile, and ability to elevate the food, beverage, and fragrance marketplace. And, consumers continue to lean into the squeeze! In the United States, 59% of consumers indicate that they like or love citrus and one-quarter (25.7%) of menus feature it (Datassential, 2023). With 56% of global consumers actively look for healthy ingredients in food and beverages (Euromonitor International, 2022), citrus flavors resonate particularly well among those looking to support their immune systems, boost vitamin C intake and elevate their mood.

Consumers are most familiar with orange-, lemon- and lime-based flavors and fragrances, which offer an approachable starting point for marketplace innovation. As they seek novel and sensorial experiences from products, they take interest in new citrus flavors and fragrances, but won’t follow through with a purchase unless they know it’s worth the spend. The industry can ease purchase decision stress and transition newer flavors and fragrances to mainstream palettes by pairing them with and relating to familiar, ‘hero’ elements that consumers know and trust.

“As consumers continue to seek out unique flavors and exotic fruits, our extensive line of citrus varietals offers a way for manufacturers to provide authentic taste experiences without the hassle or expense of sourcing these hard-to-find offerings. Our team of Flavorists and Perfumers have gone to extensive lengths to provide flavors and fragrances that take consumers on a journey around the world without leaving the comfort of their homes. We are excited to bring to life an international collection of rare citrus flavors that may never see the light of day due to their short shelf life or availability,” states David Banks, Senior Director of Marketing.

Citrus Flavor Solutions
While citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and limes continue to be go -to staples, consumers seek more niche and nuanced citrus flavor profiles and unique varietals from around the world to ignite their taste buds and broaden their palates. Bell offers iconic citrus flavors, such as Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange and Meyer Lemon in addition to specialty citrus flavors, like Buddha’s Hand and Peruvian Lime.

These flavors are available in a wide variety of formats and formulations (e.g., natural, organic) to meet product development needs and regulatory standards for a multitude of applications, ranging from baked sweet goods to ready-to-drink cocktails.

For more sweet-tart inspiration, view Bell’s featured citrus flavor list.

Citrus Fragrance Solutions
With its refreshingly tangy and fragrant profile, Bell features citrus in a variety of natural, plant forward offerings:

  • All Natural Blends: 100% natural fragrance creations – including bergamot, calamansi, kumquat and more
  • Aromatic Infusions: natural plant essence with a slight scent – including orange and grapefruit
  • Botanicals: natural plant essence with no scent – including lime, mandarin, tangerine and more

Bell’s unique fragrances and botanicals can help to differentiate products aesthetically and functionally in a wide array of applications, including personal care, home care and pet care.

Digital Promotions
Citrus Microsite

Bell’s citrus packed hub features a wide variety of educational resources for clients to tap into, including what’s trending in the world of citrus, flavor technology solutions for even the toughest R&D challenges, such as sugar reduction and bitterness masking, Bell’s Spark – Ignites Creativity, Inspires Senses® 2023 top consumer trends and much more.

Citrus Booklet
Included as part of Bell’s microsite, this citrus booklet offers insight into Bell’s unique approach to citrus flavor and fragrance development, highlights a plethora of citrus profiles ranging from buddha’s hand to pomelo, and spotlights featured citrus flavors and fragrance lists to get creative juices flowing.

Social Media Promotions
On Tuesdays through the end of October, Bell will share a weekly social media post featuring a unique and often overlooked citrus varietal across Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Follow Bell on social via the links below and stay tune for more sweet-tart goodness delivered straight to your social feed.

Get in touch with your Bell representative or reach out to our Sales team to discuss the opportunity for an in-person or virtual presentation featuring citrus flavor/fragrance demonstrations. To request citrus flavor or fragrance samples, please submit your request here.

About Bell Flavors & Fragrances:
Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. is a leading supplier of flavors, fragrances, botanical extracts and ingredient specialties to the food and beverage industry, as well as the household care and personal care industries, offering over 100 years of exceptional customer service and experience. Bell has 11 manufacturing plants including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Germany, India, Singapore, and China, with over 90 operating sales offices worldwide. Bell’s global presence allows flexibility in the world marketplace while constantly responding to emerging industry trends with solutions that bring added value and business opportunities to our customers. www.bellff.com

Bell Flavors & Fragrances – The Key Ingredient of Your Brand.

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3 Key Trends in the Booming Alternative Proteins Market

Alternative proteins hold the key to a sustainable future for the planet. At present, the market is growing at an unprecedented pace – alternative proteins are a $2.2 billion market worldwide, poised to increase at a CAGR of 9.5 percent from 2019-2025 (Mintel).

This level of growth is currently accelerated by global turmoil. Retail prices for meat and seafood are impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions from the war in Ukraine. The average price of ground beef has increased by 18 percent over 2021 (Bloomberg) and major suppliers expect price hikes for years to come.

The seafood supply is also impacted, especially the $27.5 billion annual U.S. sushi market. Wild Atlantic salmon is endangered in the U.S. and decades of overfishing have decimated global populations of species such as eel. Farmed seafood already accounts for 50 percent of the U.S. supply, but only a fraction is considered ‘sustainable’.

With these factors in mind, the alternative proteins market is only beginning to gain momentum. Read on to discover the three key trends affecting the market for meat, dairy, and seafood alternatives in 2022.

1.  Consumers: Veggie Curious

Long gone are the days of cheap meat. In response to price hikes and reports of food safety concerns in animal farming, a growing number of consumers are embracing vegetarian or vegan alternatives. As a result, the share of alternative meat proteins grew by 317 percent on restaurant menus over the past three years (Mintel).

According to current surveys, 1 in 5 consumers report trying to limit their meat intake. Among those consumers already eating alternative meat products, those looking to increase their intake of these foods increased by 49 percent compared to one year ago (Mintel).

2. Market: Real Money in ‘Fake’ Meat Products

American grocery stores have been offering alternative protein products for decades. Today, the number of SKUs and suppliers is at an all-time high: the alternative protein market is projected to reach $17.9 billion by 2025 (Mintel). Looking ahead, every tenth portion of meat, eggs, dairy, and seafood eaten around the globe will be made from alternative proteins by 2035 (BCG).

Plus, it’s no longer just veggie burgers and ‘fake’ chicken nuggets. The alternative milk market grew by 60 percent from 2015-2020 and currently accounts for almost 15 percent of the total dairy market (Mintel). Overall, the underlying change in consumer tastes not only benefits businesses, but also the planet. By 2035, the shift to plant-based eggs and meat is expected to save more than 1 gigaton of CO2 equivalent (BCG).

3. Flavor Profiles: Better than the Real Thing?

Consumers are more conscious than ever about vegan, cruelty-free alternatives to meat. From an industry perspective, this demand has driven tremendous research and development efforts in the creation of plant-, microorganism-, and animal-cell-based alternatives.

But there’s a catch: Despite the health (and environmental) benefits associated with alternative proteins, consumers are not ready to compromise on taste.

In a recent survey, 36 percent of consumers report avoiding plant-based yogurts due to poor taste and minimal flavor options (Mintel). In a separate study, 54 percent of U.S. consumers agreed that meat alternatives should closely mimic the taste of meat.

The good news is that companies such as Bell Flavors and Fragrances are supporting companies in the alternative proteins industry with decades of experience. We offer extensive technology platforms that not only match the ‘real thing’ but hold their own ground in terms of originality and deliciousness.

Our experts create specific flavor profiles that mask bitter and unwanted flavors, boost delicious umami notes, and enhance the overall mouthfeel of alternative vegan and vegetarian proteins. As more and more consumers are ready to explore animal-free food options, our flavorists are working overtime to create the kind of taste sensations that leave them hungry for more.

About Bell Flavors & Fragrances:
Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. is a leading supplier of flavors, fragrances, botanical extracts and ingredient specialties to the food and beverage industry, as well as the household care and personal care industries, offering over 100 years of exceptional customer service and experience. Bell has nine manufacturing plants worldwide including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Germany, Singapore, and China. Bell operates sales offices in more than 40 countries. Bell’s global presence allows flexibility in the world marketplace while constantly responding to emerging industry trends with solutions that bring added value and business opportunities to our customers. bellff.wpengine.com

Bell Flavors & Fragrances – Get In Touch With Taste!

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Top 5 Trends From Plant Based World Expo 2022

Bell Flavors & Fragrances captures a snapshot of what was trending on the show floor at Javits Center in September 2022.

 

From September 8-9, the latest trends in plant-based foods were on full display at Plant Based World Expo (PBW) 2022 inside Javits Center in New York City.

In its third edition, the official tradeshow for the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) once again provided a unique platform for brands, manufacturers, distributors, as well as retail and foodservice professionals to experience what’s next in the world of alternative proteins.

The tremendous buzz surrounding plant-based foods was palpable inside Javits Center for two action-packed days. More than 245 exhibitors, including significantly more international brands, showcased their offerings in front of more than 3,700 attendees; up 20% from 2021.

Spotlight on Plant-Based Foods

Sweet, savory, functional, and gourmet: Walking the halls provided guests with a chance to taste and discover the latest iterations of plant-based foods and technologies.

Product presentations on the floor were supplemented by content-rich PBW platforms such as the Culinary Theater, Learning Garden, and Conference sessions. On that note, the number of sessions featuring experts and industry insiders more than doubled compared to last year!

Standouts included strategic assessments like “Understanding the Consumer Shift from Animal to Plant-Based” hosted by PBFA and Kroger, as well as the “The ‘Why’ Behind Today’s Food & Lifestyle Trends” by Eve Turow-Paul and “Learn How to Build Flavor Without Compromising Your Diet” by Chef Shenarri Freeman.

 Another PBW highlight returned this year: The winners of the official 2022 World Plant-Based Awards were announced during the show, chosen from over 140 entries in 17 categories from 20 countries.

Celebrating Vegan Deliciousness

Bell Flavor & Fragrances team at Plant Based World Expo 2022

Products from Bell clients featured center-stage in the sample dishes presented at the Bell Flavors & Fragrances booth (number 602). Under the theme Bell Taqueria, visitors had a chance to taste Vegan Al Pastor bites featuring alternative protein from MycoTechnology, Inc. seasoned with Bell’s pork and Mexican pepper flavors, accompanied by a delicious vegan chipotle and lime crema.

Continuing the deliciousness, Bell dished out Vegan Cookie Dough, based on chickpea protein and packed with vanilla and browned butter flavors. Rounding out the taqueria offering, Bell served non-dairy Horchata Iced Coffee using ethically sourced coffee from Westrock Coffee loaded with a vegan whipped topping by Ingredion enhanced by coconut milk flavor.

Overall, sampling was in full swing at the Bell Flavors & Fragrances booth during the entire show. Meanwhile, we also made time to walk the halls and explore the 5 Top Trends from Plant Based World Expo 2022 in New York City:

1.   Next Wave of Alternative Seafood

Vegan chicken bites and faux beef burger patties are already becoming ubiquitous on mainstream menus. Now alternative seafood proteins present the next wave in terms of product innovation. On that note: When it comes to making tuna, salmon, and shrimp alternatives taste like the ‘real thing’, Bell provides a number of vegan seafood flavors and technologies to make them pop.

At Plant Based World Expo (PBW) 2022, the innovation in #altseafood was undeniable: Ingredion sampled the latest iteration of their fish tacos, while several brands showcased versions of plant-based tuna salad. Virginia’s Plant Based Seafood Co. wowed visitors with their vegan Crab Cakes, while BeLeaf won the World Plant-Based Award for their plant-based shrimp.

The next level of innovation? Plant-based sushi and ‘raw’ fish! Finless Foods showcased a raw tuna alternative that can be used in poke bowls – without the negative effects of overfishing. The same goes for Current Foods and their delicious ‘raw tuna’. Great news, since worldwide tuna stocks have been depleted by 60 percent compared to 50 years ago.

2.   Humungous Fungus

Move over, soy and seitan! The market for mushroom-based protein is literally growing like mushrooms: From 2022 to 2029 the fungal protein market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% to reach $397.5 million.

Fungi were also sprouting at Plant Based World Expo (PBW) 2022. Mushrooms scooped a win in the World Plant-Based Awards, with The Mushroom Meat Co. taking the trophy for their pulled ‘pork’. Colorado-based MycoTechnology, Inc. harnesses the growth engine of mushrooms, known as mycelium, in their FermentIQ™ Protein. It’s made by taking pea protein or a pea and rice protein blend, then fermenting it with shiitake mushroom mycelium to create meat analogues like the chorizo taco served at their booth.

Hailing from South Korea, the Better Meat company impressed with their Plant-Based Luncheon (aka. vegan Spam) that uses mycoprotein to taste like the real thing. Mushroom flavors also popped off in Popadelics crunchy mushroom chips and in numerous condiments featuring luxe truffle aromas.

3.   Rooted in Culture

Bell's Vegan Al Pastor Bites: savory vegan pork sausage combined with Guajillo Chili, Chipotle and pineapple, stu ed into a crispy corn cup, topped with a delicate vegan avocado cilantro crema.

Vegan food is even more attractive when it’s founded on genuine cultural roots. And consumers love it: Two out of three U.S. consumers “love” to discover new flavors and cuisines. Meanwhile, 39 percent of consumers in the U.S. are trying to incorporate more vegan foods into their diets.

Including those vegan flavors gets much easier thanks to products like UK-based Shicken, which brings Pan-Asian delights such as curries and chicken kebabs into the meatless consumer sphere. After only 18 months in business, Shicken is already sold at Costco in the UK and created much buzz about a U.S. launch with their culturally rooted flavors at PBW.

Speaking of culture, Italy-based Mia Green Food delivered vegan versions of parmesan cheese, prosciutto, and pepperoni with zero animal ingredients and cholesterol, but all the authentic Italian flavor notes. Food connoisseurs also raved about Verduns’ veggie pate, while Swiss start-up Share delivered fermented apricot based on an ancient recipe from the Tang Dynasty for flavor and gut health.

4.   Peak Vegan Cheese?

While past editions of the show saw an explosion of chicken protein, walking the halls this year was impossible without seeing countless iterations of plant-based cheese. That’s no surprise: The global market for plant-based cheese was valued at $2.43 billion in 2021 with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6% until 2030.

Scoring a win at PBW 2022, European innovators New Roots AG clinched the award for the ‘Circular Economy Approach’ behind their plant-based alternative to hard cheese. Hailing from Germany, Bedda showcased a variety of cheeses from brie to cheddar. Speaking of variety, Bell Flavors & Fragrances has developed a library of over 30 vegan cheese flavor profiles, replete with matching flavor enhancers and masking technologies to build deep aromas (see more info here).

Much to the delight of Italian food lovers (also see 3. Rooted in Culture), Miyoko’s Creamery returned to show ‘lifelike’ mozzarella both in solid form as well as a liquid for melting on pizza. In the show’s dedicated section for start-up companies, Plant Smart LLC delivered the world’s first fat free plant-based cheese, Cheezilla, alongside a melted cheese alternative named Melteeza. And for an adult take on a childhood staple, GrownAs* Foods served up Truffle Vegan Mac & Cheese.

5.   Sweet Delights

Bell's Vegan Chickpea Cookie Dough: Bell’s Vanilla, Brown Butter and Protein Masking Flavors turn this cookie dough into a healthy treat you feel good about eating, never knowing there are chickpeas in it!

Ending our trend report with a cherry on top, vegan desserts stole the show at PBW 2022. The manifold offerings of sweet delights in New York were indicative of a bigger trend: The global vegan dessert market is expected to reach $5.97 billion by 2027, while currently growing at double-digit rates.

In the plant-based desserts category, the World Plant-Based Award went to PLAYin CHOC for their ‘Organic Peruvian Cacao M•lk Chocolate’ with all that creaminess – but none of the dairy. Meanwhile, New York locals Rule Breaker Snacks bring nut-free and vegan brownies and blondies into school lunches, while Pri’s Puddings satisfy cravings on the go with pocket-sized pies. Not to forget Dandies vegan marshmallows by Chicago Vegan Foods, also known as makers of Temptation vegan frozen desserts.

Speaking of frozen, did we mention vegan ice cream? It’s now a full-fledged award category with SuperSeed Ice Creme by Eat Drink Innovate Pty taking the proverbial biscuit in the show awards this year. Lick ice cream made from Italian lupin beans also hit all the right flavors, while Bon Dévil’s Choc Ganache Desserts and Raw Cakes from Nats Rawline raised the bar for sinful delights with none of the (animal) cruelty.

Hungry for more plant-based food resources? Make sure to visit Bell’s Plant Based World Expo workspace featuring our current brochure on flavors and technologies for Alternative Proteins and more materials.

Also look forward the European edition of PBW happening in London, UK, from November 30 to December 1, 2022. See you there!

Click here if you like to request samples of delicious flavors for alternative proteins from Bell Flavors & Fragrances.

About Bell Flavors & Fragrances:
Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. is a leading supplier of flavors, fragrances, botanical extracts and ingredient specialties to the food and beverage industry, as well as the household care and personal care industries, offering over 100 years of exceptional customer service and experience. Bell has nine manufacturing plants worldwide including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Germany, Singapore, and China. Bell operates sales offices in more than 40 countries. Bell’s global presence allows flexibility in the world marketplace while constantly responding to emerging industry trends with solutions that bring added value and business opportunities to our customers. bellff.wpengine.com

Bell Flavors & Fragrances – Get In Touch With Taste!