A Fresh Look at Tomorrow's Flavors
McCormick® Flavor Forecast(TM) 2009 Identifies Top 10 Flavor Pairings

HUNT VALLEY, Md., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- An appetite for internationally infused tastes, a desire for all-natural foods and a craving for favorite ingredients reimagined with contemporary whimsy are a few of the influences behind the McCormick Flavor Forecast 2009. The report, released today, takes an in-depth look at 10 emerging flavor duos poised to transform America's menus in the coming year.
"Our passion for flavor is the inspiration behind the Flavor Forecast," said Kevan Vetter, Executive Chef at McCormick. "Whether it's a mix of culturally diverse tastes -- like smoked paprika and agave nectar -- or a discovery of pure ingredients -- like mint and quinoa -- this year, we see excitement in the blending of the new and the familiar."

McCormick® Flavor Forecast(TM) 2009 top 10 flavor pairings:

1. Toasted Sesame and Root Beer: An iconic soda is rediscovered for its versatility as a cooking ingredient, paired with the bold nuttiness of toasted sesame seed.

2. Cayenne and Tart Cherry: The flavors of two superfoods -- the heat of cayenne and sweet-sour tang of tart cherry -- pack a multi-layered punch.

3. Tarragon and Beetroot: The hip pair creates a sensory feast that is anything other than predictable or restrained.

4. Peppercorn Melange and Sake: Japan's notable rice wine finds a new partner in the quintessentially French unison of multicolored peppercorns.

5. Chinese Five Spice and Artisan-cured Pork: Hand crafted artistry merges with a harmonious Asian blend to create an innovative taste sensation.

6. Dill and Avocado Oil: Mild avocado oil finds an elegant partner in clean, minty dill -- reflecting the healthy goodness that comes from pure, natural ingredients.

7. Rosemary and Fruit Preserves: Fresh-picked fruit flavors fuse with aromatic rosemary for a progressive interpretation of sweet and savory.

8. Garam Masala and Pepitas: A beautifully matched global combination of an intoxicating spice blend from India and a prized seed popular in Latin America.

9. Mint and Quinoa: Nutritious, whole-grain quinoa is taken to new heights when paired with the exhilarating, cool taste of mint.

10. Smoked Paprika and Agave Nectar: Smoky sweetness from the purity of nature celebrates a union of Spanish and Mexican ingredients.

Q. I recently attended a gift trade show, and since then have asked for, and received, perhaps 50 or so catalogs covering a wide variety of products. Next week I will be ready to place my first orders to get going. My dilemma is that I have seen so many neat things I'd like that I need to reign in my desires to buy too many items. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations as to how I should attack my first order so that I don't end up spending too much?

A. Good question -- and one that most of us still struggle with no matter how many years we’ve been in business! Many gift basket designers start the buying process by deciding on a design or two (or three or four, depending on how much money you have to invest in your initial inventory) -- like a coffee basket and a snack basket-- then buy accordingly (just an example). Then, as you sell a few baskets and have the funds, introduce a new design -- maybe a baby basket -- and order that inventory. Also, buy items that are versatile enough to be used in several different basket themes.

Business Plan Help?

Q. What is a business plan and why do I need one?

A. To put it simply, a business plan is a blueprint for getting from Point A to Point B in the growth and development of a company. Developing a business plan -- even a sketchy one -- is essential to building a strong company.

Business plans can be a straightforward as penciled notes on a legal pad, or so detailed, complex and lengthy they are bound into a book. Basically, a business plan is an outline of who you are, what you do, and where you want to go.

Some elements of a business plan include: A description of your products and services; your special niche; customer profile; current competitors; and goals.
Business plans usually include a budget breakout, detailing expected expenses for: advertising,rent,licenses,subscriptions,inventory, utilities, office supplies, labor, credit card fees,bank fees, equipment rental, insurance, etc.

In addition, business plans usually project sales and profits, and give marketing summaries explaining what general steps will be taken to drive sales to forecasts.

Remodeling for a Home Based Business
Q. HELP!! I'm going full-time with my basket business,(yeah!!!) and I'm moving it from a bedroom to the garage. I would like to keep the original garage door for loading and unloading order/shipments, but I’m concerned about losing A/C around the garage door through cracks etc.

A. There is a kit available at home centers to insulate garage doors. Works great & knocks down noise also. Basically, it's just strips of foam that fit into the frame of the door sections.

Business Registration and Insurance

Q. I am just starting my business. Do I have to register my business with the state? Do I have to get liability insurance? A. Contact the Small Business Administration office in your area for a complete ‘how-to’ guide for starting a business. You will need to get a license and tax number, plus learn about collecting sales taxes and much more. You might also contact SCORE, a group of retired volunteer business people who give FREE advice about small business start-ups etc. Good luck!

Business Name Change?
Q. Should I change my business name? Currently, it is called Creative Special Events. This was a good name when my services were event planning, balloons & florals. But now I am designing and selling gift baskets, and this service is producing more revenue. Event planning accounts for only a small portion of my sales, but balloons and florals are still strong.


A. Changing a business name is a big step and one that deserves careful consideration. Since you are making gift basket sales with your current business name, why change? Seems like you’re doing fine. Maybe you might print the different types of services you offer on the back of your business cards or under the heading of any flyers you are using...I've seen that done many times and I think it's a pretty good idea.