Flavor University Podcast

In this episode, we chat with Jared Turetsky, Senior Product Manager of our industrial seasonings business. Can’t get enough of that crispy, crunchy, salty goodness? Well, neither can we! In this episode, we discuss consumer trends and the state of the salty snack market in North America. Jared explores some of the exciting findings found in their 2024 North America Salty Snack Study. We dive into innovation tactics, understanding your brand’s equity, and the trending flavors of tomorrow that may end up in the salty snack aisle.

In this episode, we speak with Senior Flavorist, Katie Pappas, where she takes you behind the scenes in becoming a flavorist, a day in the life, and how to work smarter with flavor. Learn how to build a flavor and what taste challenges they can overcome when building specific flavors - stick around to hear what flavors she has built!

In this episode, we chat with Hadar Cohen Aviram, Executive Chef, and Sunny Levine, Associate III Direct Manager, about all things Flavor Forecast. Ever thought of acidity as a craveability enhancer? Or that there's a new overall movement in cuisine mashups? And what is the Flavor of the Year? Join us as we chat through 2024’s Flavor forecast, and discuss the trends that will shape the way we flavor, cook and eat in the upcoming year, and beyond.

In this episode, we chat with Lisa Demme, Senior Marketing Manager and Carrie Rock, Product Manager about how to see food trends. They talk about how it doesn’t have to be complicated; attend a local food festival, spend some extra time in your local grocery store, grab a bite at a food truck, or intentionally scroll through your social media feed.

Speakers discuss their roles in food safety and product quality, highlighting the importance of consistent and safe products. They emphasize the need for traceability programs and prompt resolution of challenges. Communication and partnership are key in addressing customer challenges. They share experiences with food safety and preferences for major brands. They also express their love for all types of ice cream.

In this episode, Mary Alice Murray, Senior Consumer & Market Insights Manager, discusses flavor language and its importance in influencing flavor choices. They explore the power of flavor language, using it across different products, and the role of authenticity in flavor writing. They also delve into flavor personalities and hooks for the mind, senses, and heart.

Dr. Michael Okoroafor, McCormick’s Chief Sustainability Officer, shares insights on sustainability. Tips for reducing individual environmental impact and the role of food professionals in securing a sustainable future. Businesses can benefit from focusing on sustainability. Importance of collaboration and learning. Story of helping children grow and cook their own food.

Adam O'Leary, Analytical Scientist, walks us through the technology and instrumentation used in flavors. Learn how gas chromatography separates complex flavors, how chemists duplicate or substitute chemicals, and the importance of analytical chemistry in the flavor industry.

Dive deep into weird flavor pairings and hear about post-covid consumers being more adventurous with food. Enjoy a live tasting of a brunch-y beverage and learn about unconventional flavor pairings like espresso and orange juice. Explore the concept of pairing unexpected flavors with mimosas, and how Gen Z is experimenting with new flavors. Discover the potential for viral success with weird flavor pairings and the importance of context.

In this episode, Pamela Oscarson, Senior Consumer & Market Insights Manager, discusses five trend areas: nostalgia, experiential value, healthy halo, frugal gourmet, and convenience. They explore how flavor plays a role in these trends and highlight examples like nostalgic foods, creating healthier versions of popular foods, store brand products, and repurposing leftovers.