Uncovering the Future of Flavour

WHEN it comes to food, people around the world are more alike than different, finds a forecast on emerging flavours and trends. The milestone report, released by McCormick & Company in January, pinpoints common trends and flavours driving culinary innovation around the world.
New this year, Flavour Forecast takes a global view for the first time, and pinpoints the cutting-edge trends and flavours that are driving a spirit of discovery around the world - from cuisines on the verge of widespread appeal to ingredients with the potential to alter the culinary landscape several years from now. Crafted by an international team of McCormick chefs, sensory scientists, trend trackers, marketing experts and food technologists, the Forecast taps into influences from Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, Latin America and North America.

Developing the Forecast involved a yearlong process of data discovery, insight development and culinary exploration. During a rigorous vetting process, the team held a global summit to establish possible themes, pooling insights and expertise from McCormick's regional locations.  This global exploration process revealed a surprising finding: the forces driving food choices are strikingly similar from region to region – even though the specific flavours and ingredients we enjoy remain uniquely rooted in our local cultures.

"Our global team was excited to find so many similarities in the trends inspiring diverse cultures to cook, eat and innovate," said Chef Kevan Vetter for McCormick United States.
Chef Mark Garcia for McCormick United States remarked that foodies can now spend an entire evening immersed in the flavours of a meal. "If there's one thing the food lovers of the world have in common, it's that we approach eating with greater curiosity than ever before and really celebrate the enjoyment of it," he noted.

World's widening flavour horizons

For some, enjoyment might mean the simple goodness of real ingredients without the clutter of flashy techniques. For others, it could mean celebrating the essence of a culture's heritage with modern tastes. In the spirit of showcasing similarities whilst celebrating differences, the 2012 Forecast highlights six globally relevant themes.

 Simplicity Shines The most memorable food is often the simplest. Cooks are focusing on highlighting quality ingredients with unpretentious preparations, without the clutter of flashy techniques and complex presentations. Exemplifying these are combinations of Ginger with Coconut – warm spice joins tropical favourite, and Vanilla with Butter – the ultimate pure essentials for real goodness.

Flavourful Swaps – On the journey for personal well-being, small changes add up to big results. Balancing an appetite for bold flavour with a hunger for good health is key to achieving wellness goals, one delicious taste at a time: such as a better-for-you beverage with Red Tea with Cinnamon & Plum, and a new take on lemon pepper with Grapefruit with Red Pepper.

Honouring Roots As a celebration of the heritage of cuisine through traditional ingredients and techniques, chefs are preserving these roots by applying a fresh perspective that balances modern tastes and cultural authenticity.

"Honouring Roots is all about taking heritage flavoursSNEAKERS