Pomegranates predicted to be the hot flavour of 2004

Market research firm Mintel and marketing network Euro RSCG have both published studies on global trends -- although both with different results.

Mintel says that 2004 will be the year of the pomegranate, both as a drink and as an ingredient in skincare; fragrances will be designed to smell like nice foods; and that we will all be drinking out of the 'bottle can' -- a hybrid packaging concept that is already taking Japan by storm.

Euro RSCG, on the other hand, says that girls kissing, rugby and premium liquors are where it's at. They also say that perfect teeth and perfect nails are out, while natural is new, and that provoke-me T-shirts with slogans such as "Getting' Lucky in Kentucky" will be fashionable.

Both agree that everything old is new again -- from confectionery, according to Mintel, to drugs, according to Euro RSCG, which says that speed is back in and that alcohol is the 'new black'.

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This article was first published on brandrepublic.com