This year, salt and pepper are on notice.
Traditionally putting out a list of top flavors to look for in the new year, McCormick & Company Inc. took their national survey a step further this year, releasing their top ten flavor pairings for 2007.
“It?s a nice way to think of flavor at the beginning of the year in a different way,” said Laurie Harrsen, director of consumer communications for McCormick. “Some people might just think of spices at the holiday time, and [we want to] remind people it is being used 12 months out of the year and impacting the ingredients in your grocery store and what is on the table in front of you.”
A Hunt Valley-based manufacturer, marker and distributor of spices and seasonings, McCormick reported net sales of around $2.6 billion last year. Harrsen went on to sayin an e-mail that about 10 percent of McCormick?s annual sales comes from products that are either new or released in the last two years.
“This year we feel that health and wellness is going to direct our industry a lot,” said Sue Martin, business development director for Fuchs North America. “Everyone is conscious of not just weight less but adding to what your eating to make sure it?s fortified.”
Formerly known as Baltimore Spice, Fuchs North America told The Examiner that they netted around $50 million in sales last year. Many Fuchs clients are referred to as “snackers,” or manufacturers of pizzas, chips, popcorn and nuts. But for those lovers of junk food, Fuchs sees changes on the horizon.
“Portions are going to be a lot smaller,” Martin said, “so you will see more of the Mediterranean-type ethnic foods and trends in smaller [servings].”
McCormick?s Top 10 2007 Flavor Pairings:
» Clove and Green Apple
» Thyme and Tangerine
» Tellicherry Black Pepper and Berry
» Sea Salt and Smoked Tea
» Lavender and Honey
» Crystallized Ginger and Salted Pistachio
» Cumin and Apricot
» Toasted Mustard and Fennel Seeds
» Wasabi and Maple
» Caramelized Garlic and Riesling Vinegar
