Some unusual fruit products have been noted by Productscan this month, such as carbon dioxide injected fresh fruit, square watermelons and sausages filled with goji berries, a so-called super-fruit. The release of these products highlights the growing consumer interest in healthier food options, with manufacturers seeking innovative ways to present their offerings to appeal to this growing trend.
The Fizzy Fruit Company has launched a canned fresh fruit product in the US that differs from regular fruits in a unique way the product consists of grapes which have been injected with carbon dioxide, making them fizzy. The company states the fruit is entirely natural apart from its carbonation, containing no added sugar or preservatives, while retaining the same level of vitamin and fiber content as natural fruit. The company originally designed the concept for sale in schools, but has since rolled it out into the retail sector, with the aim of attracting kids who dislike regular natural fruit products.
Another unusual fresh fruit product is soon to be launched in the UK by the retailer Tesco. The company has developed a square-shaped watermelon, an idea that was first invented by the Japanese for sale to the very rich. Tesco's version is grown in Brazil, where it takes 60 days to mature. The melon is grown within a clear plastic box and naturally fills out to fit the shape of the box without the use of any stimulants. It is said to be easier to cut and store than a conventional round melon, and could become an intriguing party food.
Meanwhile, goji berries are becoming a popular ingredient in a range of foods, including sausages. The so-called super-fruit has attracted interest in both the US and Europe for its alleged benefits these include being able to fight heart disease, cancer and even boost libido. US producer Fabrique Delices has now included the berries in a range of its frozen sausages, the Pheasant Sausage, exploiting its growing popularity as a healthy ingredient.
Camel milk is also touted as having potential as a new super-food, with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization reportedly trying to garner interest in the west. The milk is consumed widely across the Arab world, featuring in a range of products such as the recently launched Al Ain Dairy Camel Milk Ice Cream in the United Arab Emirates. Camel's milk is rich in vitamins B and C and is said to have 10 times more iron than cow's milk.
Over in Japan, Kyodo Nyugyo has released its melon and coconut flavored Meito French Yogurt. This has an added ingredient not usually featured in yogurts egg which is said to give the product a rich and pure flavor. It also contains an indulgent coconut liqueur sauce and large chunks of red melon fruit.
A less healthy-sounding novelty product has been launched in the US by Rex's Outrageous. Its Road Crew Crunch is a chocolate and peanut snack which is designed to have an appearance similar to the makeup of roads, hence the flavor names, Asphalt, Gravel, Mud and Sand. It is marketed as being a celebration of rural highway road crews who keep the roads clear in harsh weather conditions.