In honor of Super Cup’s 30th anniversary, the Japanese food company Meiji Co. has unveiled a new zunda Super Cup flavor.
For those unfamiliar, zunda refers to sweetened, mashed edamame paste, which is a popular sweet in Japan. The flavor is particularly popular in the northeastern Tohoku region of Japan where it is often used as a topping for mochi, but also for other delicate confections.
Recently, Meiji decided to crowdsource ideas for a new Super Cup ice cream flavor and zunda was the winning flavor. The result is a green soybean-flavored ice cream that celebrates Super Cup’s 30th anniversary. In fact, the creamy ice cream is not only infused with soybean flavor, but it also features little pieces of edamame studded throughout.
Sweetened Soybean Ice Creams
Meiji Released a Zunda Flavor for Super Cup’s 30th Anniversary
Trend Themes
1. Regional-favorite Flavors - Regional-favorite flavors like zunda present fresh opportunities for introducing culturally unique tastes to a broader market.
2. Crowdsourced Product Development - Engaging consumers in the flavor selection process fosters community involvement and ensures higher product satisfaction.
3. Innovative Soybean-based Sweets - Creative use of soybean ingredients paves the way for novel dessert options, appealing to health-conscious and adventurous eaters.
Industry Implications
1. Food & Beverage - The introduction of unique regional flavors such as zunda offers potential for diversifying product lines and attracting niche markets.
2. Consumer Packaged Goods - Incorporating crowdsourced ideas into product development can enhance brand loyalty and consumer engagement in the CPG industry.
3. Health Foods - Soybean-based sweet treats align with current health trends, providing alternatives that cater to consumers seeking nutritious dessert options.