German scientists claim to have developed a new way of identifying flavours and aromas in food products. Berlin-based research company, Metabolomic Discoveries, launched its ‘Flavour Profiler’ today – a platform that the company says allows the identification of taste and aroma components in food products. The company claims the platform is a big step towards being able to identify the underlying chemical basis of flavours in food. It also believes the innovation will help food and beverages... ...Read more »

Ireland’s Kerry Group yesterday revealed it is in exclusive talks to buy Cargill’s flavours business. The Ireland-based company, which owns consumer brands like Wall’s sausages but derives over two-thirds of its revenue from food ingredients, said a deal would “advance” its ability to serve food and drink manufacturers. “Kerry is a leading global food ingredients and flavours provider and a leader in development and delivery of consumer-preferred taste solutions.... ...Read more »

Swiss flavours and fragrances maker Givaudan has announced that its first-quarter sales rose 9.2% on increasing demand for its ingredients. The company said that demand for its flavours and – in particular – fragrances has been boosted by returning consumer confidence in the first three months of the year. Sales rose to CHF1.07 billion (A$1.08 billion) during the period, the Swiss group revealed. Sales in the fragrance division rose 13% to CHF496 million (A$504 million), while revenue... ...Read more »

Market research firm Mintel has announced their predictions for the leading flavour trends of 2010, with more experimental consumers to drive the introduction of new flavours. “As the economy recovers, we expect people to continue the trend of eating at home,” Lynn Dornblaser, Mintel’s leading new products expert, advised. “The home cook is becoming more advanced with his or her cooking skills by trying new spices and flavours, as well as preparing everyday items in new ways.” Flavour... ...Read more »

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published the first in a series of opinions on flavouring products which are added to foods to give a “smoked” flavour. EFSA’s CEF Panel concluded that the use of the flavouring product Smoke Concentrate 809045 was not of safety concern, however, it expressed safety fears over the use of two other flavouring products – Unismoke and Zesti Smoke Code 10. These findings were based on exposure estimates for all of the smoke flavourings... ...Read more »

The latest research from Mintel finds ready salted potato chips have fallen from the number one slot in chip hungry Britain as cheese & onion appeals more to consumers increasingly keen to branch out on flavour.The market for cheese & onion ‘crisps’ is now worth a £256 million in the UK (A$566m), with sales having increased an impressive 15% in the last two years alone. Valued at £244 million in 2006, ready salted crisps have slipped into second place, despite an increase in... ...Read more »

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, an American-based maker of flavours and fragrances, has created their list of the top 10 flavours for 2009 in three categories: sweet (confectionery, bakery, dairy); savoury (meat, condiments, dressings, sauces, soups, seasoning); and beverage (non-alcoholic, alcoholic). So-called superfruits, such as Acai, are prominent as are a range of new, exotic flavours from around the world. The top-10 lists are created after tracking samples that have been requested over a... ...Read more »

An appetite for internationally infused tastes, a desire for all-natural foods and a craving for favourite ingredients are a few of the influences behind the McCormick Flavour Forecast 2009. The report, released by the US-based spices and seasonings company, takes an in-depth look at 10 emerging flavour combinations poised to transform America’s, and international, menus in the coming year. “Our passion for flavour is the inspiration behind the ‘Flavour Forecast’,”... ...Read more »

Givaudan has unveiled a new, revolutionary approach to creating unique chicken flavours. Combining global research with culinary exploration into how chicken is consumed around the world, Givaudan believes it has developed new and better performing ingredients for its industry-leading palette to enable the creation of authentic, superior chicken flavours to help drive product preference. Givaudan surveyed 7,300 consumers in 14 countries and observed home-cooking first-hand, translating their needs... ...Read more »

Bland, mild and boring flavours are to become even less common next year as consumer packaged goods manufacturers are expected to further push the flavour boundaries. Looking ahead to 2009, consumer intelligence firm Mintel, forecasts that manufacturers will reach for exotic fruits and fresh and soothing flavours with a touch of spice to add excitement to their new products. From food and drink to household and personal care, Mintel’s leading new product expert, David Jago, is excited about... ...Read more »