Why Blackcurrants Are 2026’s Flavour of the Year

American food manufacturer, McCormick has named Blackcurrant the flavour of the year for 2026, spotlighting the berry as one to watch across food and beverage industry.

Since 2000, the McCormick Flavour Forecast® has identified the global food and flavour trends shaping the year ahead. Following on from the 2025 flavour of the year, the Aji Amarillo chilli pepper, McCormick are championing blackcurrant as the new “it-berry” of 2026.

Rich in colour, flavour and antioxidants

Naturally high in vitamin C, Blackcurrants have long been prized for their nutritional benefits — and at Barker’s, we’ve been harnessing the antioxidant power of these tiny but mighty berries since the 1980s.

Now, the McCormick & Company 2026 Flavour Forecast is spotlighting blackcurrants for more than just its immunity support, calling out the distinctive balance of sweetness, tartness and depth of flavour.

The extra benefit of New Zealand–Grown Blackcurrants

Native to central and northern Europe and northern Asia, blackcurrants also thrive in Aotearoa New Zealand thanks to a unique growing environment. Clean air, high ultraviolet light intensity, and specially bred varieties help produce berries boasting some of the highest anthocyanin (antioxidant) concentrations in the world.

Enjoy blackcurrants everyday

The blackcurrant berries themselves typically have a very short season, typically harvested just after Christmas in New Zealand. Fortunately, you can enjoy the flavour and benefits of blackcurrants year-round in across the Barker's of Geraldine, Barker's Professional and EveryDay+ by Barker's ranges:

Barker’s of Geraldine:

• Blackcurrant Fruit Preserve 350g
• Blackcurrant Fruit Syrup 710ml
• NZ Blackcurrant Reduced Sugar Fruit Syrup 710ml
• NZ Blackcurrant with Raspberry Classic Fruit Syrup 710ml
• NZ Blackcurrant with Cranberry Fruit Syrup 710ml
• NZ Blackcurrant & Boysenberry Fruit Syrup 710ml
• Blackcurrant & Red Onion Jam 190g
• Blackberry, Blackcurrant & Goji Super Fruit Crush (12 pack)

Barker’s Professional:

• Blackcurrant Patisserie Filling 1.25kg
• Boysenberry & Blackcurrant w/ Apple Compote 1kg
• Blackcurrant Fruit Syrup 1L

EveryDay+ by Barker’s:

• Blackcurrant, Blueberry & Honey Immunity Gel Sachets
• Blackcurrant & Boysenberry Immunity Syrup 710ml
• Blackcurrant, Blueberry & Ginseng Energy Daily Shot 490ml
• Blackadder Blackcurrant Immunity Syrup 710ml
• Blackcurrant & Goji Immunity Daily Shot 490ml
• Blackcurrant, Blueberry & Ginseng Energy RTD (8 pack)