Why Preserving Cultural Desserts Matters in Today's Food Industry

As the food industry continues to evolve and be influenced by mass production, many communities are searching for authentic culinary experiences and locations that feel more like home. In recent years, the interest in traditional cuisines has grown as consumers look for foods that express different cultures and tell a backstory rather than simply satisfy customer convenience. According to Forbes, more individuals are seeking more diverse flavors in the dishes they eat and see a growing popularity of culinary experiences. In addition, the 2024 Food and Beverage Flavor Trend Report by T. Hasegawa explains how consumers seek international tastes and are intrigued by different fusions that offer diverse tastes closer to home. This is a growing interest that promotes cultural exploration and many businesses today are trying to fulfill it. In New York City, Artesano is a Peruvian fusion restaurant that hosts a monthly Peruvian mixology class that focuses on pisco flavors and cocktails through the lens of Peruvian ingredients. This restaurant helps immerse guests to discover more about the Peruvian traditions and cuisine.  These trends and interests from consumers suggest that people want immerse experiences like the ones Artesano offers and consumers want to use food as a bridge to travel and learn about different cultures, it's not just about the food. 

Within the dessert culture, this movement is very meaningful because traditional desserts carry the culinary experiences that consumers are seeking. Peruvian desserts carry history and traditions passed down through families and communities to create a sense of connection. These traditions contain unique ingredients rarely found in large-scale bakeries and stores. Peruvian desserts such as alfajores, chocotejas, torta helada, and turron showcase the craftsmanship of Peruvian bakers and offer a unique opportunity to share personal and cultural roots to broaden our understanding of the world, which is much different than mass-produced desserts.

For us at Kym’s Candy, preserving our Peruvian roots through desserts is not just a trend or job, it’s a passion and mission. According to Science Direct, food tourism has received an increase of attention for its versatility to contribute to our society and consumers benefit greatly from this in many ways. We believe that bringing our culture authenticity into San Diego would enlighten the culinary experience in our community. Incorporating traditional and family recipes into event catering and custom collections offers our consumers a chance to connect with our Peruvian culture and create a meaningful memory of it.  We support our values, which include authenticity, community outreach, and artisanal production over working just for profit.

Every desert we create and share reflects our passion and commitment to keeping our Peruvian culture alive. We have the mission to offer high-quality desserts that tell our story to all our consumers. We aim to blend our heritage with modern flavors and presentation. By offering different services and options, we hope to reach members from all over San Diego to build cultural connections overall. Cultural desserts are more than just a sweet treat, they offer tradition, history, and a shared experience worth savoring.