2003 McCormick(R) Flavor Forecast(SM) Predicts Hot Trends Across America's Culinary Climate

    HUNT VALLEY, Md., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The flavor experts at McCormick
 & Company, Inc. today released the 2003 McCormick Flavor Forecast(SM), a
 definitive report predicting the flavors and trends that will shape the
 culinary climate this year and beyond.  America's culinary forecast calls for
 plenty of flavor, with exciting new pairings, continued use of ingredients
 that heat and cool the palate, and a growing interest in authentic, regional
 ethnic cuisines.  Some of America's hottest chefs, culinary television
 personalities and cookbook authors contributed valuable insights to this
 report.
 
     The 2003 McCormick Flavor Forecast identifies these top flavors as ones to
 watch:
 
      Bay Leaf         Chile Peppers      Cinnamon      Coriander/Cilantro
      Lemon Grass      Mustard            Pepper        Sea Salt
      Sesame           Turmeric           Vanilla       Wasabi
 
     "Americans are on a quest to experience bolder, more exciting flavor
 combinations at restaurants and at home," said Laurie Harrsen, director of
 public relations at McCormick.  "Our research shows that these essential
 flavors are influencing the foods we eat -- whether spicy, sweet, worldly, or
 comforting -- each and every day."
     This report also examines seven trends that will warm the culinary climate
 during the coming year:
 
      * Extreme Flavor -- Aroma, Texture and Flavor Are Reaching New Heights
      * The Shrinking Globe -- Discovering Regional Ethnic Cuisines
      * Food as an Occasion -- Sharing Flavor and Fun
      * You Can Take it With You -- How Portable Foods Continue to Change the
        Way Americans Eat
      * Varying Degrees of Heat -- Spicy Yet Flavorful Combinations
      * The Green Season -- Organic and Natural Foods
      * Home on the Range -- Meat is in!
 
     With an extensive network of researchers, trend experts, chefs, home
 economists, food technologists, and sensory analysts, McCormick & Company,
 Inc. keeps its finger on the pulse of flavor.  McCormick was founded in 1889
 in Baltimore, Maryland, and today is the largest spice company in the world.
 McCormick sources the finest ingredients from around the globe to bring the
 highest quality flavors to consumers.  For more information, visit
 http://www.mccormick.com .
 
 

SOURCE  McCormick & Company, Inc.