McCormick named Aji Amarillo as the 2025 Flavor of the Year and to celebrate, the flavor authority launched Aji Amarillo Seasoning.
Aji Amarillo, meaning "yellow chile pepper" in English, is a pepper grown in Peru, native to South America, and a staple of Peruvian cuisine. With fruity, tropical notes and moderate heat, Aji Amarillo is popping up in everything from appetizers and entrees to drinks—"with an anticipated 59% menu growth over the next four years" according to 2024 Datassential Menu Trends.
In 2025, McCormick is hosting its first-ever Flavor Night Market in Miami, Florida. In partnership with Smorgasburg, McCormick will offer an immersive experience of the 2025 Flavor of the Year in an open-air food market. At the free-to-attend event, guests can look forward to trying Aji Amarillo-inspired food and beverages from 30 food vendors.
Vibrant Pepper Seasonings
Aji Amarillo Seasoning Celebrates McCormick's 2025 Flavor of the Year
Trend Themes
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Rising Popularity of Exotic Peppers — The growing interest in Aji Amarillo reflects a broader trend towards unique and exotic pepper varieties in culinary applications.
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Culinary Fusion and Experimentation — The integration of traditional Peruvian flavors with contemporary cuisine highlights the trend of culinary fusion and bold experimentation.
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Immersive Flavor Experiences — McCormick's Flavor Night Market exemplifies the trend of creating immersive and interactive events to engage consumers with new flavors.
Industry Implications
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Food and Beverage — The introduction of Aji Amarillo seasoning presents opportunities for the food and beverage industry to innovate with uniquely flavored offerings.
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Event Marketing — Immersive food events like McCormick's Flavor Night Market open new avenues for the event marketing industry to create memorable brand experiences.
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Spice and Seasoning Production — With the rising demand for unique and exotic spices, the spice and seasoning production industry can explore developing new and diverse product lines.