LOS ALAMITOS, CA - “Summer snackin’, had me a blast,” will be the new tune sung by myself and tropical fruit lovers alike as food and beverage flavor house Monin revealed passion fruit was named flavor of the year for 2022. And, as a lover of all things specialty and tropical, Frieda’s Branded Produce is jumping with joy at the announcement.
“We love to share our passion for our products, but it’s even more exciting when we see that the mainstream food industry has fallen in love too,” shared Cindy Sherman, Director of Marketing. “Starbucks’® addition of their Pineapple Passionfruit to their summer Refreshers® menu will introduce consumers to the vibrant flavor of this powerful berry.”
Starbucks’ influence knows no bounds, and avid lovers of passion fruit and flavor seeking consumers will be eager to try it out—and recreate at home— for themselves.
Passion fruit is considered the largest berry of all berry-producing plants, noted the release. Additionally, shoppers will be able to pick the perfect passion fruit at the right ripeness stage as the fruit's thick purple skin wrinkles when ripe. Under its expressive exterior are small, black, crunchy, edible seeds surrounded by a brightly colored pulp with a sweet and tart, tropical flavor. If your shoppers are already avid consumers of chia seeds, they will find a similar appreciation for passion fruits.
As it comes in many varieties, Frieda’s is most excited about the Florida-grown Thailong variety, which is known to keep fresh longer and delivers a tasteful balance of tart and tropical flavors. The soft and juicy flesh is traditionally used in drinks and juices, making it this summer’s most versatile tropical flavor as it can elevate drinks; dress up proteins; and add a burst of flavor to salads, grain bowls, and smoothies.
Like most tropical fruits, passion fruit shies away from cold climates, making it a powerful end-cap product for attention-grabbing sales. Cross-promotional opportunities abound as this fruit loves to be featured outside of the produce department with cocktail mixers and spirits. It also presents well within the produce department for consumers who simply want to enjoy the pulp with a spoon.
Be sure to hit up your Frieda’s representative to capitalize on this seasonal opportunity and catch up with the latest news with AndNowUKnow.
