Peach is 2024’s flavour of the year: Chosen to inspire community, kindness and comfort

According to the Pantone Colour Institute, in a world battered by turmoil, the soothing tone imbues an all-embracing spirit to enrich body, mind and soul. It’s a heartfelt hue expected to boost peace and serenity, connecting communities through a feeling of kindness, caring and collaboration.

For more than 20 years, both Pantone and dsm-firmenich have determined the upcoming trends from signals in the cultural and consumer landscape, drawing inspiration from a wide variety of influences, including culinary, fashion, hair and beauty, packaging and multimedia design, home decor and interior design, architecture, art, and the cultural zeitgeist.

“We’re going through a lot of turmoil in our lives, and we have a need for a colour that’s nurturing,” ​Pantone colour specialist Leatrice Eisman told CNN.

“It’s a warm and cozy shade. And it’s very tactile. We feel that at a time like this, tactility is really important – to touch other people and gather them into our homes.”​

dsm-firmenich turned to Emotions 360 – its proprietary study that measures consumer emotions associated with ingredients – to land on the flavour.

“Flavour of the Year showcases emerging trends in flavour through proactive sensory experiences and creations,”​ said Mikel Cirkus, global creative director for Taste, Texture & Health at dsm-firmenich

Emotions 36 identified countless possibilities – which is where the + came into play.

“Peach is somewhat unique in that it has many innate qualities that contrast, such as being both indulgent and pampering, but also refreshing and revitalising, and youthful, but nostalgic,”​ the company said in a statement.

Peaches are juicy stone fruits that have a deeply sweet flavour that intensifies as they ripen.

In blushing health

Peaches are packed with protective antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre to support gut health. They also contribute to a healthy heart and skin.

It is one of the oldest cultivated fruits in the world, with a 4,000-year-old history that began in China. The country remains the world leader in peach production and exportation, with over 400 varietals under cultivation.

Peach has been an evergreen fruit flavour in many food and beverage categories for decades with a steady share of presence in innovations in most regions: think peach melba, peaches & cream and peach crisp. They also pair well with warm notes (ginger, cinnamon and clove) and savoury tones (basil, tarragon, goat and blue cheeses).

But far from staying within the fruity confines, Peach+ is an invitation from dsm-firmenich to go beyond to also consider softer, smoother, lighter, more refreshing, textural elements.

The most prevalent areas of growth for peach new product development are carbonated soft drinks and ready-to-drink teas, fruit preparations and preserves (think sweet bakery and snacks), candies and yoghurts and dairy. Peach in combination also spiked in favour of passion fruit plus peach, mango plus peach, peach plus tea and apricot plus peach.

Other areas showing promise are more savoury opportunities include processed cheeses, protein analogs and noodles: think savoury bakery and snacks.

dsm-firmenich is confident that Peach+ will empower its customers to weave these emerging trends into creating products that have high impact and superior business relevancy.

“The delicate and natural qualities of Peach+ call for diverse applications across multiple food and beverage industries, and we are excited to see the innovations of our clients upon receiving this news,” ​said Clementi.

Added Jeffrey Richard Schmoyer, VP of Human Insights for Taste, Texture & Health at dsm-firmenich, “Our research reveals that peach has many multifaceted meanings.​

“And it’s incredibly emotional. While the peach has a long history, it also has an innovative future.”​