Kalsec HeatSync Heat Indexes for monitoring hot pepper use

In an effort to monitor consumer demand for hot and spicy foods, Kalsec Inc has developed two indexes for the US and European markets. Named the Kalsec HeatSync Heat Indexes, these measurement tools follow usage of more than 30 different ‘hot’ peppers.

In collaboration with market data from Mintel’s Menu Insights and the Global New Products Database (GNPD), the US Index evaluates more than 2400 restaurant food and drink menus, while the EU Index measures new retail product introductions.

In 2012, the European HeatSync Heat Index increased 16% and the US Index posted almost 8% higher levels than the prior year. The European Index has seen steady growth since 2007. The US Index has grown 21% since 2009. The habanero pepper continued to grow in popularity with above-average index gains in both the EU and US markets. The jalapeno and poblano peppers showed strong growth in the US for 2012, while products with cayenne peppers increased in Europe. Snack foods showed the strongest 2012 category growth for hot and spicy foods both in the US and European markets. Prepared meals and sauces provided continued growth over the last five years, particularly in the US and Asian markets.

The index is named after the recently developed Kalsec HeatSync Systems, designed to control the timing, intensity and location on the palate of heat (pungency) for specific application requirements. The Kalsec HeatSync Heat Indexes will be updated and reported every six months and are available for viewing at www.kalsec.com.