I was born in Angola, Africa and I am happy to see that African food ingredients are being implemented and considered for beverage formulations.

The upcoming Institute of Food Technologists Expo in Chicago highlights the newest Afro flavours.

Baobab is pretty well unheard of in new product applications but things are looking up for a fruit called the "upside-down" fruit.

Marula is another that is well known in South Africa due to its use in the popular Amarula Cream liqueur. Its health benefits are now also being marketed, most recently in Austria as Roemerquelle Emotion Marula Flavoured Water (Römerquelle Coca-Cola Beverage of Austria)

This rare concoction from Coca Cola won the Best New Ingredient award for the 2007 beverage innovation Awards by Zenith International Publishing Ltd.

Apart from baobab and marula, a bright future is predicted for honeybush, buchu, prickly pear (a noxious weed here but nonetheless sold at some greengrocers) and rooibos.

Source: foodweek.com.au 

IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo