McCormick & Co., a leading flavoring giant, is working to keep up with the rapid pace of change in the food industry, driven by shifting consumer trends and demands.
Brendan Foley, McCormick's CEO, stated that companies are seeking help in removing artificial ingredients, reducing salt, and adding trendy ingredients to their products, with a focus on speed.
According to Foley, the number of projects has accelerated in 2025, and this trend is expected to continue, as reported by the Consumer Analyst Group of New York conference.
Food Industry Trends
Food companies, impacted by shrinking volumes and margins, are eager to get products to market faster as inflation-weary consumers spend less, and manufacturers face demands to remove artificial dyes and boost nutritional content.
PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta announced plans to transition to natural ingredients, with the company launching dye-free versions of Cheetos and Doritos under a new line called Simply NKD.
McCormick's Response
McCormick is working to solve problems earlier in the food development process, focusing on reducing sodium, fat, and sugar, as well as moving away from artificial ingredients, colors, and preservatives.
The company sources about 17,000 ingredients from over 80 countries and remains dependent on core offerings like black pepper, cinnamon, and oregano, while also looking for the next big flavor to satisfy changing consumer tastes.
Flavor Trends
McCormick routinely scans social media, restaurant menus, and digital data to identify emerging trends, such as the rise of dill pickle flavor, which led to the launch of French's dill pickle mustard in 2024.
The company's 2026 flavor of the year, black currant, highlights the delicate process of balancing core offerings with new and exciting flavors, as consumers seek variety in their cooking.
