November 14/Melville N.Y./Press Release -- “Flavors have no boundaries,” says Catherine Armstrong, vice president of Corporate Communications at Comax Flavors. “And the world of flavor development has changed forever. The world’s most talented chefs and mixologists are experimenting with the geography of flavor, whipping up a storm of creativity through their explorations.” Consumers will speed-forward into a whole new arena of tasting adventures. Comax Flavors Culinary Trend Exchange has identified some of the most gripping flavor directions for 2014 -- combinations that will energize and intrigue food, beverage and spirit developers alike.

Comax Flavors has defined the most influential and transformational trends into four distinct flavor groups: Fresh Focused, Sultry Sweets, Some Like It Hot and Reasons to Cheer- deeming 2014 as the year when anything goes. 

Fresh Focused are flavors that will influence consumer preferences for those foods and beverages that make them feel good about their choices.  They add a fresh, healthy halo to many snack foods, beverages, juices, bars and dips.  Flavors in this group include:

• Coconut Lime
• Lemon Garlic Pepper
• Carrot Watermelon
• Pineapple Cucumber

Sultry Sweets is triply decadent – giving rise to flavors that promise to deliver the sweetest, richest, most provocative blends- combining two or more sweet and/or savory flavors into one flavor-saturated treat.  Flavors in this group include:

• Cola Cappuccino Nut
• Marshmallow Macadamia Crunch
• Ginger Sesame Caramel
• Maple Bourbon Banana

Some Like It Hot represents a remarkable pairing of ethnic and cultural flavors that in new combinations offer the heat and fire, with a brisk sweet note that propels new product innovation.  They will be showing up in savory chips, sweets, confections, dips, sauces, beers and beverages alike.  Flavors in this group include:

• Sriracha Chocolate
• Black Pepper Caramel
• Honey Wasabi
• Habanero Maple 

Reasons to Cheer reflects the popularity of creative mixologists that are driving the crowds with innovative cocktail concoctions. Consumers are along for the ride and open to decadent indulgences presented in a new way.  Flavors in this group include:

• Shiraz Truffle
• Beaujolais Citrus Punch
• Mojito Macaroon
• Boozy Mint Cookie