Emerging flavors from Latin America and India, as well as consumers’ growing fascination with chilies will have a big impact in 2014, according to McCormick & Co., Inc.’s Flavor Forecast 2014.
McCormick’s annual report highlights five top food trends and more than a dozen emerging flavors that their experts from around the world predict will impact the way consumers eat in the coming years. One such trend is the growing obsession with chilies. Chilies continue to influence culinary trends as consumers experiment with different varieties and heat levels. Another trend McCormick highlighted was the multiuse of ingredients that can be used in clever new ways such as tea, which is gaining popularity beyond sipping into rubs, broths and marinades; versatile cilantro/coriander; and as well as noodles, which can be incorporated into soups, casseroles, stir fries and salads. McCormick also predicts the emergence of Indian cuisine as a global phenomenon and the growing interest of Brazilian flavors with the World Cup and Summer Olympics approaching as connectivity through social media helps drive adoption of flavors and trends from around the world. Rounding out the top five trends for 2014 are compact cooking and Mexican cuisine as regional dishes from Mexico are coming to the forefront allowing consumers to discover new dimensions of this cuisine south of the border.
According to Spicetec Flavors & Seasonings’ Mainstreaming Global Flavor Trends Market Brief, the world’s cuisine is coming to us. Peruvian cuisine is forecast as having the most impact on menus across the country in 2014. With Peruvian food, many dishes combine the flavors of Asia and South America with bold and spicy being common themes, according to Shane Maack, executive chef, Spicetec Flavors & Seasonings.
As we continue to read about and share with you more interesting predictions for 2014 food industry trends, feel free to leave us a comment with your thoughts and predictions on what trends you think the food industry will see in 2014.