Accordingly, in recent years, some studies and reports have surged in Mediterranean countries, including Portugal. The first category is functional/healthier sausages like traditional cured meat products from Requena, Spain, with the reduction of non- healthy components; e.g., salt, fat or the replacement of non- healthy compounds by others with the same functionality, but considered healthier. Supplements addition of any substance already in the composition of the product but in low levels, to achieve a level with beneficial effects (e.g., vitamins and minerals up to the daily intake); enrichment addition of a new functional ingredient (e.g., enrichment with, nuts, orange juice, olive oil). Also, La Rioja SMEs have recently launched a new functional food - a sausage in string with a high content of omega 3 fatty acids. Research has made it possible to obtain a product enriched with omega 3, with higher added value, and the formulation of which allows nutritional labeling. In addition, sensory characteristics are the same in relation to a traditional formulation. In this way, it is considered to be a sausage in string satisfying the demand of the current consumer, with a ratio of fats more balanced by the addition of omega 3 and retaining up to100 % the taste of the traditional sausage .In a different manner, but also in an effort to offer a new healthy product to consumer, the wheat protein seitan was used in Italy for the production of mosaic poultry salami.
Another trend category is in line with the concept of “open innovation” applied to sausage manufacturing, where synergies among producers are leading to the outcome of products highly attractive to consumers by the factor of surprise they bring, while keeping a traditional style and name but changing the ingredients. For example, in Portugal there are new references such as “farinheira de presunto e azeitonas” (farinheira made with dry cured ham and olives) or “alheira de presunto” (alheira made with ham), where traditional types of sausages surge with unlikely ingredients. There are also cases of producers claiming new formulas towards a healthier diet (closer to the Atlantic diet) with the launching of “ alheira de vitela ” in a strategy leading to new market niches particularly among urban consumers.
In our opinion, sausages and other TFPs can follow the current string of trends in innovation mainly in three areas without suffering any genuine change. The first relates to the packaging
Component – its added value and the presentation of other forms of packed products, such as modified atmosphere packaging, sliced, in individual grouping packs. In terms of package presentation, there is some evidence showing that modified atmosphere packaging in smoked dry sausages (chourio) leads to an effectively better preservation of these products, while improving them in terms of presentation and convenience to consumers. In recent years, in the Portuguese market, there has been an increasing offer of traditional sausages ready to use, namely, sliced products like the lombo branco de Portalegre PGI, painho de Portalegre PGI, or the Salpicao.
The second area relates to the health component: developing studies to create balanced menus and/ or balanced diet plans, where traditional sausages are included, surpassing any individual imbalance of the product itself (sausage). This is probably the one that is least explored and where surveys and studies are needed in terms of compositions of menus, but also where there seems to be plenty of opportunities to develop new food proposals.
Finally, the third area is related to the ethnic gastronomic component, with the use of these products at the restaurant/ foodservice level for creating entirely new dishes out of the regional concept and also creating new markets. It is worth underlining that it is within the restaurant area that traditional products have an important segment of its total market. Indeed, regional food is much required and appreciated. A huge and rich variety of gastronomic specialties results from the characteristics and marked differences between regions. In large cities, one can benefit from this variety through specialty regional restaurants. Many of these traditional products are promoted and more valued in these establishments. Similarly to cheese, meat, wine, and fruits, traditional sausages also have an important market segment in the restaurant/foodservice area. That is a good place for certificated products being disseminated from well recognized regions and where chefs play a crucial role .These professionals have been recognized as potentially important partners in promoting local food systems. However, even consumers more enthusiastic about regional and traditional meals are open to new experiences. Perceptions about quality of meals are increasing, with consumers seeking for unique dining experiences, not only to have a meal, but also to experience the environment in which the meal is takin