The fig, one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and a member of the mulberry family, has predominantly been recognized in the U.S. as a key ingredient in Fig Newtons, a chewy cookie product from Mondelez. However, figs are increasingly appearing in diverse forms beyond cookies. Today, you can find this fruit in honey, syrup, jams, and cold cereals, as well as in yogurt, tea, energy drinks, chewing gum, and snack bars. Upscale restaurants feature figs wrapped in bacon and on pizzas paired with prosciutto.
According to Firmenich, from 2012 to 2016, Innova Market Insights reported a 16.5% CAGR for figs as an ingredient and an 18.6% CAGR for figs as a flavor. This exotic fruit appeals to consumers for several reasons. It offers a delightful combination of sweetness, chewiness, smoothness, and crunch, creating a complex texture profile that enhances various food products. Additionally, figs are packed with fiber and essential minerals like calcium, including calcium citrate malate, and vitamins such as vitamin D3.
Firmenich noted that the fig’s rich history captivates modern consumers. Manufacturers incorporating figs into their products can attract those interested in ancient, authentic ingredients that connect them to different cultures. The fig has an enchanting quality shaped by its long-standing history, appealing to consumers who seek ingredients with Old World significance. Firmenich emphasized that flavors as timeless and fundamental as fig will continue to meet the demand for something genuine and unique, particularly in a market where the price of health-conscious ingredients like calcium citrate malate and vitamin D3 is increasingly scrutinized.