Village Connect
This year marks a significant milestone for McCormick’s Flavor Forecast as it celebrates its 25th edition, further establishing itself as an authoritative guide in culinary trends and flavor innovation.
The unveiling took place during the vibrant “Together We Flavor 2025” event at the Grand Hyatt Manila, where food enthusiasts were treated to an unforgettable Glamping Gastronomy Adventure.
The event highlighted how flavors can transport us, presenting a diverse range of tastes that cater to both adventurous and comforting palates. Since its launch in 2000, the Flavor Forecast has transcended beyond mere ingredient listings, diving deep into the intricate relationships between food and culture.
Each year, McCormick’s team travels to 15 different countries, sampling over 150 local dishes and analyzing trends from more than 200 sources, including culinary publications and social media. This rigorous exploration culminates in identifying four key macro trends that reflect shifting consumer preferences.
Notably, previous forecasts have accurately predicted the mainstream rise of popular flavors such as chipotle, pumpkin spice, and ube, underlining McCormick’s influence and accuracy in flavor prediction.
At the heart of this year’s forecast are three exciting trends: Tropical Vibes, Charred & Smoked, and Deliciously Unexpected. Tropical Vibes aims to evoke a sense of escapism through vibrant flavors reminiscent of warm-weather destinations, featuring tropical fruits like guava and innovative pairings such as the popular mango habanero. “Tropical Vibes opens doors to new, exciting taste experiences, pushing everyday meals into tropical territories,” said Chef Tenten Casasola, head of innovations at McCormick Philippines.
Charred & Smoked explores the depth and complexity that cooking methods such as slow smoking and charring can bring to dishes. Chef JB Reyes highlighted how these techniques are becoming increasingly popular, elevating both casual and fine dining experiences with rich, smoky flavors.
Recipes like Smoked Bacon Chawanmushi and Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken presented at the event showcased this trend seamlessly blended with Filipino culinary heritage. Finally, Deliciously Unexpected champions the creativity in culinary experimentation, presenting familiar ingredients in surprising formats, such as Gochujang Ice Cream and Thai Tea Spiced Pork Belly.
Chef Pix emphasized the growing appetite for bold flavor combinations, which are becoming increasingly mainstream. A standout moment came when McCormick unveiled its 2025 Flavor of the Year: Aji Amarillo, a versatile Peruvian pepper with fruity and spicy notes, which aligns with the year’s overarching flavor themes.
With its ability to enhance a variety of dishes—from appetizers to cocktails—Aji Amarillo is expected to make its mark on menus globally. As McCormick celebrates this significant anniversary, it continues to inspire culinary innovation and excitement in the food landscape.
