Traditional techniques and ingredients, as well as focusing on simplicity are two of the key culinary trend predictions for 2012, according to international food manufacturer McCormick (NYSE:MKC) 's 'Flavour Forecast' for 2012, just released. The McCormick Flavour Forecast is an annual report offering predictions for the future of flavour. It pinpoints common trends driving culinary innovation around the world. The Flavour Forecast was crafted by an international team of McCormick chefs, sensory scientists, trend trackers, marketing experts and food technologists spanning Asia,Australia, Europe, Africa, Latin America andNorth America. The Flavour Forecast 2012 highlights the following culinary trends:

  • Honouring roots: Honouring traditional ingredients and techniques is a celebration of the heritage of cuisine. Chefs are preserving these roots by applying a fresh perspective that balances modern tastes and cultural authenticity.
  • Veggies in vogue: The quality of seasonal produce and the unstoppable growth of fresh markets means that vegetarian food is getting more attention.
  • Simplicity shines: Cooks are focusing on highlighting high quality ingredients with unpretentious preparations, without the clutter of flashy techniques and complex presentations.
  • No boundaries: Culinary trailblazers are cooking outside the lines by discovering, reinventing and even playing with food, shedding the confines of traditional "rules".

McCormick Foods Australia's Culinary Development Chef, Simone Fergie said, "If there's one thing the food lovers of the world have in common, it's that we approach eating with greater curiosity than ever before and really celebrate the enjoyment of it. We can now spend an entire evening immersed in the flavours of a meal. We have a very strong food culture in Australia and our culinary trends are certainly tracking in the same direction as other parts of the world."