“We are sensing an increase in demand at Univer. In recent years, our spicy products have become more and more popular, and their turnover is gradually increasing. In the past year, we also launched new spicy combinations such as mayonnaise and ketchup flavored with Erős Pista,  as well as garlic cream. This also contributes to the fact that this year's planned turnover of the company group will exceed last year's,” explains Rita Bazsó, marketing manager of Univer Product.

The popularity of the hot taste among the general public has increased significantly in the last few years. According to Univer’s online survey, 36.4% of respondents stated that they consume spicy food much more often compared to before, and among the participants, 58.4% of them believe that spicy foods disinfect and detoxify. Almost exactly three-quarters of respondents eat spicy food at least once a week, but more than a third try to incorporate this habit every day or whenever they can.

The general popularity of spice is shown by the fact that only 4% of participants said that they strictly abstain and never prepare such dishes for themselves and their guests.

The survey also examined what emotions and qualities Hungarians associate with spicy taste. In this area, power and heat came out on top, far ahead of dynamism, which came in third place. Happiness was not far behind the podium. The latter may also provide some explanation as to why such products are so popular among Hungarians.

Univer shares that one of the apropos of the research is to draw attention to the 130th birthday of Albert Szent-Györgyi on September 16, the Nobel Prize-winning Hungarian doctor who discovered vitamin C extraction from paprika, as well as Univer’s first Erős Pista Fest held at the company's premises in Kecskemét-Hetényegyháza.

Those who register for the festival, which is set to run between October 13-14, will be able to take part in a factory visit and other programs. At the end of the two-day event, a concert by Hungarian rock band Kowalsky meg a Vega will be held on the main square of Kecskemét on Saturday evening, which anyone can watch for free.