Top left: IHG’s Sarah Mengoni and Mad Honey’s Mattias Horseman connect during a Flavor Showcase.

Top center: Ingredion’s Janet Carver and Maru Harris talk with Bojangles’ Marshall Scarborough during Ingredion’s Texture Lab, which gave attendees a hands-on opportunity to explore next-level textures and their expanding role in modern menu development.

Right: California Walnuts served Swicy Candied Bacon Strips with crunchy chicken skin and walnut ranch dip.

Bottom center: New to the Flavor Experience, the 14th annual Texas Pete Kitchen Hero Cook-Off brought friendly competition to the event, with (from left) Fred Slater, director of R&D/executive chef, Farmer Boys; Jessica Bograd, senior director of culinary, City Barbeque; Alex Gomez, senior sous chef, Chili’s; and Jonathan Buckholz, corporate chef, Bloomin’ Brands, competing for top honors.

Bottom left: Sweet & Chilli mixed up Red Bull cocktails, including a Paloma and Hugo Spritz.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2027 FLAVOR EXPERIENCE:

AUGUST 1-3, VEA NEWPORT BEACH

The 2026 Flavor Experience brought high-volume menu developers and industry innovators together in Newport Beach, Calif., for three days of flavor discovery and forward-looking ideas.