10th Jan 2012 - 00:00
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Abstract
Herbs and spices specialist Schwartz for Chef, in partnership with parent company McCormick, has unveiled its first global flavour forecast. It has taken a look at flavours and trends right across its business and believes 2012 will be a “groundbreaking yearâ€.
Since 2000, the report has showcased McCormick and Schwartz for Chef's expertise in pinpointing common trends and flavours driving innovation, and reveals what is driving what we will eat across the globe in coming years. In the UK, the flavour forecast has been released annually since 2008. It is based on a year long process of culinary exploration, data discovery and insight development, where an international panel of chefs, sensory scientists, trend trackers, marketing experts and food technologists from Schwartz for Chef and McCormick collaborate to identify the trends and flavours. For 2012 six global trends were brought to life. These include: honouring a cuisine's traditional roots, seeking the ultimate in sensory stimulation, a focus on vegetables, simplicity, flavourful swaps, and breaking boundaries. Schwartz UK marketing director Paola Bassi commented: "This year's report is the first ever global edition of the flavour forecast and underscores our commitment and passion to flavour. No one knows flavour better than McCormick. We make a difference in the way people create and experience food every day. "Flavour Forecast 2012 reveals the surprising finding that the trends driving our food choices are strikingly similar from region to region, even though the specific food and ingredients we enjoy are rooted in our local cultures." To bring this year's culinary trends and flavour combinations to life in the UK, six recipes have been crafted by McCormick's concept development chef Steve Love, a member of the dedicated team of development chefs that collectively identified these flavours which showcase the trends. A total of 12 inspiring on trend recipes were created for flavour enthusiasts to replicate. "Flavour Forecast 2012 demonstrates six global trends with some inspiring and delicious regional flavour combinations and food experiences, allowing you to eat in many countries without leaving your home nation," said Love. "Now in its fourth year in the UK, the Flavour Forecast is a catalyst for innovation among manufacturers and foodservice professionals alike, inspiring the food we eat every day, from supermarket products to restaurant offerings. Trends pinpointed in past editions have moved once edgy ingredients into mainstream popularity, and we have no doubt it will continue to further enlighten the global culinary scene." • To learn more about Flavour Forecast 2012 in the UK and explore the future of global flavour, visit www.FlavourForecast.com