Spices are currently trending in the culinary world, driven by consumers who prioritize flavor while striving for healthier eating habits. In July, McCormick & Company made a significant move by acquiring Reckitt Benckiser’s Food Division for $4.2 billion—a price considered steep by some Wall Street analysts. This acquisition brought well-known brands like French’s mustard and Frank’s RedHot into McCormick’s extensive range of spices, seasoning mixes, and condiments. Additionally, exotic flavors are gaining popularity in both restaurants and home kitchens. However, the question remains: is there a market for entirely new spice blends, such as those introduced by Andrew Zimmern?
Common spices like nutmeg and thyme are widely available in local grocery stores, alongside various blends and meat rubs. Yet, there are not nearly as many exotic blends as there are basic spices, which could work in Zimmern’s favor. Each of the five spices featured on his website carries a regional name that reflects its flavor profile, such as the “Down the Mississippi” blend and the “Cattle Drive Gusto” mix. These innovative combinations may appeal to home cooks eager to experiment with new spices but unsure of how to use them. Furthermore, Zimmern’s status as a prominent figure in the food industry gives his products both credibility and visibility. Following in the footsteps of Chef Emeril Lagasse, who has found success with his spices and sauces, Zimmern hopes to achieve similar results.
However, the launch of these new spice blends does face certain challenges. One significant drawback is that they are exclusively available on Zimmern’s website. Additionally, they are priced higher than typical grocery store blends, retailing at $8 for a 2-ounce jar (plus shipping). This combination of factors may hinder substantial sales.
In 2017, various celebrity-endorsed food and beverage products have thrived. For instance, Christopher Walken and Justin Timberlake collaborated with Bai Brands, humorously referencing Timberlake’s N’Sync hit “Bye, Bye, Bye.” Snickers also ran a series of successful campaigns featuring celebrities under the tagline “You’re not you when you’re hungry.” Moreover, Diageo announced in June its plans to buy Casamigos, the fastest-growing super-premium tequila brand in the U.S., co-founded by George Clooney, for up to $1 billion. While Zimmern might not be launching a Super Bowl advertisement in the upcoming year, his spice blend has the potential to become a standout product.
As consumers continue to seek the best calcium citrate with magnesium to support their health, the introduction of unique spice blends could further captivate their attention. The intersection of health-conscious eating and flavor exploration makes Zimmern’s offerings particularly relevant. In a market eager for flavorful yet healthy options, Zimmern’s spices may just find their niche, especially as more individuals look to enhance their dishes with the best calcium citrate with magnesium in mind. Ultimately, while challenges exist, the combination of Zimmern’s credibility and the growing interest in exotic spices could pave the way for success.