FLAVOUR OF THE YEAR 2026: PINEAPPLE

October 29, 2025
esaspotlight, Trends

A flavour that radiates sunshine, optimism, and tropical brightness – pineapple flavour captures the collective desire for lightness, vitality, and positivity that defines current consumer moods.

We are therefore officially declaring pineapple as the Flavour of the Year 2026.

Tropical induLgence

Recent consumer insights reveal a collective desire for flavours that elevate the mood, connect to nature and offer a clean, refreshing taste. This trend reflects a broader move towards positivity, health, and emotional well-being.

In this atmosphere, pineapple shines as the perfect choice. Its juicy, sunny character mirrors freshness, clarity and balance – creating a moment of escape and revitalisation with every sip or bite.

Aromatic diversity

No other fruit combines such aromatic variety with universal appeal. esarom’s pineapple flavour of the year 2026 portfolio reflects this fascinating spectrum – from juicy and sweet to roasted and – many more:

A simple illustration of a pineapple with a yellow body featuring white diagonal lines and a green leafy top, set against a textured off white background. — Classic: Ripe, sweet, coconut

Illustration of a yellow pineapple with green leaves next to a ripe yellow mango with a green leaf, both on a light textured background. — Mango fusion: Ripe, sweet, tropical

A simple illustration of a yellow pineapple with a green crown and two small yellow drops on the right side, set against a textured, off white background. — Juicy: Very ripe, slightly tropical

Illustration of a pina colada cocktail in a curved glass with a pineapple slice, green leaves, and two black straws, next to a whole yellow pineapple with a green top, on a light textured background. — Piña Colada: Lactonic, coconut, rum

A cartoon illustration of a mason jar filled with yellow juice, three ice cubes, and a pink and green striped straw, set against a light textured background. — Tepache: Fermented note, spicy

A simple illustration of a pineapple next to three wavy brown lines representing a smell, on a light textured background. — Grilled: Sweet, caramel, slightly smoky

Punky pineapple: From functional beverages to fine confectionery, these interpretations of pineapple flavour allow brands to create incomparable taste experiences that match mood, lifestyle and brand identity.

Tepache

Tepache originates from Mexico and is a traditional fermented drink made from pineapple rinds, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.

Its sweet and tangy flavour highlights the tropical essence of pineapple and reflects the cultural value of resourcefulness in Mexican cuisine.

Punky Pineapple

“It bursts with bold tropical energy, combining the juicy flavour of pineapple with a rebellious twist of brightness and acidy.“

Isolde Tomann, Senior Flavourist

Global flavour momentum

Global beverage product launches featuring pineapple flavour (source: Mintel). The data shows an upward trajectory, reaching nearly 500 launches in 2025 – signalling pineapple’s growing footprint in innovation worldwide.

The beverage sector alone showcases pineapple’s global boom: According to Mintel, product launches featuring pineapple were mostly seen in Europe and Asia; in comparison, the US and China are the biggest drivers when it comes to product launches with that tropical fruit.

The flavour’s flexibility across CSD’s, flavoured waters, mocktails, and functional drinks makes it one of the most dynamic flavour directions heading into 2026.

A line graph shows global pineapple flavored beverage product launches from 2000 to 2025, peaking at 498 in 2025. A large pineapple graphic and yellow text highlight pineapple as the flavour of the year and its rising popularity. — Global bev product launches

A donut chart showing projected global beverage product launches in 2025, with a world map outline in the background. The data highlights regions where the next flavour of the year may emerge: Europe 34%, Asia Pacific 28%, and more. — Product launches per continent

Bar chart showing the number of beverage product launches globally in 2025, highlighting the Flavour of the Year trend. The USA leads, followed by China, Australia, UK, and France. Germany has the fewest launches among these countries. — Amount of product launches per country

Two pie charts highlight pineapple as the flavour of the year in beverage launches (global, 2025): 44% non alcoholic and 56% with alcohol. Charts detail categories like CSD, rum, vodka, beer, and more. Title at top. — Pineapple in bev's - global product launches

One flavour, numerous possibilities

Partner with esarom and impress with a pineapple-flavoured sweet treat or beverage with the flavour of the year 2026.

Find here an overview of 5 reasonsy why pineapple flavour is the right choice for the foods industry

Creative beverage concepts that impress: Explore esarom’s latest developments when it comes to the beverages of tomorrow.

Discover the most important. trends in the food and beverage industry

YOUR PARTNER IN TASTE

Are you looking for other flavours?
Find here esarom`s flavour of the year 2025: Colourful Coffee
or the flavour of the year 2024: Passionate Peach