Vermont-based Runamok Maple recently announced the winner of its Fifth Annual New Flavor Contest, and Sweet Black Cherry Infused Maple Syrup is now available for pre-order. Fans submitted their best maple syrup flavor ideas, and after nearly 1,800 nominations and thousands of votes, Sweet Black Cherry Infused Maple Syrup came out on top, enticing fans with its promise of rich, fruity depth. Sweet Black Cherry Infused Maple Syrup beat Apple Pie Infused Maple Syrup in the championship round, and other contenders like Toasted Coconut and Pomegranate Cranberry.
Now that the newest Runamok maple syrup has been crowdsourced, the team is at work sourcing ingredients, testing recipes, and balancing the perfect combination of maple and cherry.
Digital Detox Travel Hardware
Consumers are adopting dumbphones and single-purpose gadgets as essential travel hardware to minimize digital distractions during summer trips.
Question 1
During a summer leisure trip, have you ever left your usual smartphone behind and used only a basic phone or "dumbphone" with limited functions?
Question 2
What was the MAIN reason you used this type of device during your trip?
Question 3
On a future leisure trip, how likely would you be to leave your smartphone behind and use only a basic phone with limited functions?
AI-Driven Creator Economy Tools
Creators are adopting AI-driven tools to monetize, remix, and engage audiences with innovative, consent-driven content, enhancing creative control and revenue opportunities.
Question 1
Do you currently create any kind of content for an audience on any of the following platforms?
Select all that apply
Question 2
Have you used any AI-powered tools to create or manage content in the past 12 months?
Question 3
What impact, if any, has using AI-powered tools had on your content creation?
Select all that apply
Fruit Roll-Up–Wrapped Popsicles
Consumers are adopting Fruit Roll-Up–wrapped popsicles as a DIY viral treat inspired by TikTok for a fun, customizable, and edible frozen snack experience.
Question 1
Which best describes your experience with Fruit Roll-Ups wrapped popsicles?
Question 2
What, if anything, appeals to you about Fruit Roll-Ups wrapped around popsicles or frozen treats?
Select all that apply
Question 3
Where, if anywhere, have you seen or heard about Fruit Roll-Ups wrapped around popsicles or frozen treats?
Select all that apply
Protein Cottage Cheese
Consumers are expanding their consumption of protein-rich cottage cheese products as TikTok-driven interest fuels innovation and market growth
Question 1
Compared with 12 months ago, how often do you consume cottage cheese or cottage-cheese-based products today?
Question 2
Which of the following, if any, have influenced your interest in cottage cheese or cottage-cheese-based products?
Select all that apply
Watermelon Ice Cream Hack
Consumers are adopting the viral TikTok watermelon ice cream hack because it offers a simple way to make refreshing, dairy-free ice cream at home.
Question 1
Which best describes your experience with frozen watermelon "ice cream"?
Question 2
Have you ever made watermelon “ice cream” at home, by blending frozen watermelon into a soft, scoopable treat?
Question 3
How likely are you to make watermelon “ice cream” again?
Question 4
What did you like about making watermelon “ice cream”?
Select all that apply
Trend Themes
Crowdsourced Product Development — Rising consumer participation in flavor selection highlights models that tie community input directly to new product pipelines and brand loyalty.
Flavor-forward Maple Innovations — Artisanal syrups infused with bold, nontraditional flavors point to premiumization opportunities that reframe maple as a versatile culinary ingredient.
Hybrid Fruit-maple Pairings — Combining fruit essences with traditional maple creates category-blurring products that can command specialty pricing and expanded usage occasions.
Industry Implications
Specialty Food and Beverage — Niche producers and craft brands stand to be upended by demand for unique, limited-run flavors that attract experiential-seeking consumers.
Agritourism and Local Food Experiences — Visitor-focused farms and producers may be reshaped by experiential offerings tied to co-creation, tastings, and limited-edition product stories.
Retail Packaging and Subscription Services — Evolving shopper appetites for novelty and discovery could drive innovative packaging formats and curated subscription models centered on rotating flavors.
