The trend of K-sauce is closely linked with the 'Swicy' (Sweet+Spicy) craze, which combines sweetness and spiciness. Swicy is a new taste trend that merges sweet and spicy flavors, gaining popularity across the food and beverage industry, particularly in the United States and Europe.

According to an analysis by KOTRA of data from market research firm Datassential, as of October last year, approximately 10% of restaurant menus in the United States featured 'Swicy' items. This represents a 1.8% increase from the previous year, with projections indicating that food menus combining sweet and spicy flavors will grow by about 9.6% over the next four years.

The 'Mike’s Hot Honey' sauce, which combines chili and honey, is gaining significant popularity in the U.S. dining industry. According to the NRA Trend Report, hot honey sauce ranked first in the best taste & seasoning category last year.

Experts suggest that the Swicy trend is gaining traction as it aligns with the MZ generation's inclination to view gastronomy as a fun experience. Food Director Kim Yu-kyung stated, “While spiciness was once a flavor to be 'overcome,' it is now transforming into a pleasurable experience to be enjoyed,” adding that “Swicy itself is a language through which young generations express their taste and identity.”

Global snack brands are continuously launching new products that reflect the Swicy trend. The well-known potato chip brand Lay’s has released 'Sweet and Spicy Honey Flavored Potato Chips.' The major U.S. supermarket chain Trader Joe’s also offered 'Hot Honey Popcorn' as a limited edition in September, reflecting the Swicy trend.

Domestic food companies are also introducing 'spicy-sweet' products aimed at the global market. Nongshim announced the launch of 'Shin Ramyun Kimchi Fried Noodles' as a limited edition on the 24th of this month. This product features a harmonious blend of sweetness familiar to foreigners and the Korean-style spicy-sweet taste, reflecting the Swicy trend. A Nongshim representative stated, “Shin Ramyun Kimchi Fried Noodles will be a key global product next year,” and added, “It will be introduced to domestic consumers first before its global release.”

The one-person pizza brand GoPizza also launched the 'K-Swicy Series' last month. The new menu includes three varieties: △K-Swicy Pepperoni △K-Swicy Charcoal Bulgogi △K-Swicy Chicken & Potato. A GoPizza representative stated, “We aim to offer a new taste experience through the K-Swicy Series, which reinterprets the global spicy-sweet Swicy trend in a Korean way.”

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