Flavor Experience 2025

Flavor Experience returned to Newport Beach, Calif., in August, marking its 21st year of inspiring innovation with three days of flavor trends, consumer insights and culinary inspiration—all designed to give high-volume menu developers a clear path to menu success in 2026 and beyond. Presented by Flavor & The Menu, this singular annual event once again explored the ever-evolving world of flavor, building on more than two decades of sparking creativity across the industry.

The Flavor Experience delivered on its promise of sharing trend-forward, flavor-first sips and bites that fuel next-level menu strategy. Innovative and trend-forward sponsors brought leading-edge food and beverages to life at every turn, while a dynamic lineup of speakers and sessions provided real-world insights—from the annual trends forecast and innovation panels to deep dives into flavor building and consumer insights. With a spotlight on modern hospitality and shifting guest expectations, this year’s content offered clear direction for operators on winning menu ideas and flavor-forward strategies.

For more than two decades, the Flavor Experience has brought together industry thought leaders, chefs, marketers, colleagues and friends. It continues to stand apart with unmatched flavor innovation, helping menu developers gain a decisive competitive advantage. Read on for highlights from this year’s Flavor Experience.