What does a flavorist really do? In this episode, Flavorist Katie Beaver reveals how flavors move from concept to authentic consumer experience. Through the lens of cinnamon, she explores how terroir, sourcing, and cultural understanding shape formulation decisions. Learn how customization can go far beyond just selecting from a flavor library.

In this episode:

• A behind-the-scenes look at the training and craft behind the flavorist profession

• Learn how regional differences in cinnamon influence taste

• Understand why sharing context leads to stronger, more authentic flavor solutions

In this episode, Talia D’Adamo, Innovation & Scale Manager II, and Tiffany Fiore, Senior Product Manager, explore First in Flavor—McCormick’s data-led approach to identifying emerging flavors poised for mainstream adoption.

Tune in to discover how to:

• Track trend acceleration, not just appearance
• Validate trends before retail saturation
• Turn insight into commercial action

This episode reveals how timing—not just trend spotting—drives successful innovation.

In this episode, experts Hadar Cohen Aviram, Maddie Cahill, and Ross Romero go behind the scenes of the McCormick 2026 Flavor Forecast and explore how trends become tangible product concepts. Our guests share how cross-functional teams translate global insights into the 2026 Flavor of the Year while navigating sourcing, development, and commercialization realities.

Key highlights:

• How Flavor Forecast guides innovation
• The journey from trend to Flavor of the Year
• Why collaboration drives successful launches