With 'better-for-you' alternatives continuing to grow in popularity, and new technology easily matching flavour demands, the next big thing in the confectionery world will be more products moving into the functional category, where flavour is key. Tropical flavours: especially pineapple and coconut, are taking centre stage and flavours such as strawberry, watermelon and cherry have made a strong comeback in recent times and will remain on everybody's lips in 2023.

Meanwhile, look out for caramel hitting the taste buds this autumn and winter. In general, flavours can be sweet, savoury, natural, artificial, liquid or powder and applied further down the supply chain in different ways, meaning that flavour creators need a level of guidance from the industry - while the trend toward consumers demanding more natural flavours has been with us since well before the pandemic and is only going to accelerate.

• Find out more by checking the articles below in this special flavour edition.​