McCormick has unveiled its 2026 Flavour of the Year as Black Currant, a berry featuring a distinct yet balanced flavour profile that’s sweet, tart, and rich.
Black Currant berries are native to central and northern Europe and northern Asia. They combine tart-and-tangy with a sweet, fruity flavour that’s earthy, slightly floral and herbal. The dark purple fruit has been popular for centuries in specific regions as an ingredient in jams, syrups, candies, desserts, drinks and liqueurs. It’s quickly gaining popularity and is forecast to show up on global menus soon.
“Black Currant is the next ‘it’ berry on the scene. For 26 years, McCormick and Flavour Forecast have been ahead of the intersection of food and culture,” said Tabata Gomez, Chief Marketing Officer at McCormick.
“This year we’re doing more than predicting a flavour; we’re having a year-long celebration of Black Currant, a bold, sophisticated flavour that combines sweet with savoury and elevates the experience of any dish.”
“Black Currant is gaining attention in kitchens, prized for its vibrant intensity, infusing everything from savoury reductions and sweet pastries to modern mixology with bold, sophisticated flavour,” said Hadar Cohen Aviram, Executive Chef at McCormick.
“Rooted in history and bursting with benefits, Black Currant shines in kitchens, cocktails, and beyond.”
Since 2000, the McCormick Flavour Forecast has explored what is shaping the future of flavour globally. It has defined and influenced trends over the years, predicting the rise of everything from Chipotle and Pumpkin Pie Spice to Ube, Korean BBQ, and ‘Swicy’. Each year, the report looks at what’s new and next, identifying the key flavours consumers can expect to see in the coming months and years.
‘Flavour fluency’ is more common than ever. People are looking for ways to connect cultures, bring regional tastes of the world forward, and enhance daily meal routines through novel sauces, dips, drizzles, and spreads that spark curiosity and inspire trial, connect cultures, and, above all, help create flavour exploration.
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