May 2022
If a dream come true is being surrounded by hundreds of confectionery and snack brands unveiling their latest innovations, then plan to attend the 2023 Sweets and Snacks Expo! Last week, the 25-year-old trade show’s 2022 event happened in Chicago’s McCormick Place and saw upwards of 16,000 attendees, over 700 confectionery and snack brands, vendors and suppliers. The FlavorSum team exhibited at the Suppliers’ Showcase within the expo, sampling three insights-driven snack bar flavors to show attendees.
The show is a forum for confectionery and snack brands to share innovative treats developed over the past year and connect with retailers who might put their products on the shelves. And while consumers are the true judges of product success, the show does execute an awards portion of the event called the Most Innovative New Product Awards. With 13 categories, including salty snacks, sweet snacks, chocolate, seasonal, and more, it’s a great way to see the upcoming trends in the space. You can see the winners here.
Flavor Spotlight: Mood-Boosting Foods & Beverages
With 1.7 billion global consumers concerned about their mental well-being, product developers need to understand the relationship between mood and food and beverage. Our recent blog post explores how to navigate the complexities of mood and nutrition and how flavor can play a prominent role in health & wellness offerings. Read the blog to discover the top categories for mood-boosting claims and the leading ingredients you can leverage to support these claims.
Formulating with Flavor: What is a Bakery Emulsion?
In the most recent installment of ‘Formulating with Flavor,’ our team covers everything you need to know about bakery emulsions. For instance, did you know that using bakery emulsions can help you reach your cost savings goals? Our in-depth blog post will show you how and when to use bakery emulsions and trending flavors in the bakery space. You will also get insights about the critical decisions to resolve with your team before meeting with a flavor partner to guarantee an effective project kick-off.
Latest Video Blog Features LTOs!
Are you seeking inspiration for your next seasonal LTO (limited-time offer)? Our recent video blog highlights how you can leverage flavor to achieve LTO success. For even more information on seasonal or LTO launches, read our deep dive blog post.
Regulatory Corner: FlavorSum Kalamazoo Undergoes SQF Audit
As a flavor supplier for food and beverage manufacturers, part of FlavorSum’s mission is maintaining the quality and safety of our facilities and products. For our US facilities, we partner with the SQF Institute for an objective assessment demonstrating to our customers that we uphold strict food safety requirements.
On Monday, May 9, the FlavorSum Kalamazoo team completed an unannounced SQF audit. The facility and team were audited against Version 9.0 of the SQF Food Safety Program. We are proud to share that our auditor noted only four minor findings that we are currently correcting. New certificates for our qualification and “Excellent” standing will be available in July.
Stay Informed with FlavorSum Discover
Do you want to stay updated on the latest trends, research, and flavor news? By signing up for FlavorSum Discover, you’ll enroll to receive your choice of resources from our experts, including our weekly blog, monthly newsletter, on-demand webinars, and more. You can select your specific applications and categories to ensure you receive the most relevant content for you and your projects!
Supply Chain Corner: Propylene Glycol Update
The flavor industry (like many others) continues to navigate the supply chain difficulties brought on by the events of the past few years. The price of raw materials poses unique problems.
Propylene glycol (PG) is an ingredient used as a highly functional solvent for the flavor industry to deliver flavor quality over extended periods. It is a critical component for many flavor solutions. In 2021, PG prices increased significantly higher than in previous years. Despite predictions that the prices would drop in the second half of 2022, the market remains tight, and prices are expected to hold steady through the year.
The FlavorSum team remains committed to delivering quality solutions that meet our customers’ formulation, label claim, and cost goals. As we continue to navigate supply chain challenges, we will be transparent and communicative with customers regarding how raw material pricing may affect our offerings.
Propylene Glycol Price Index
FlavorSum Team News
Celebrating our Growing Team
Building a team to support your product development needs is a priority at FlavorSum . From consultative sales and marketing professionals to flavor scientists and skilled production staff, you’ll find a team committed to doing what’s right for your brand. We’re extending a warm welcome to our newest team members:
Mario S. – Sales
Rebecca S. – Finance
Anastoncia L. – Production
Nathan H. – Production
To learn about new opportunities on the FlavorSum team, visit our Careers page.
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In the June issue of FlavorSum Insights:
Infusing Function & Flavor Into Gummies
Connect with FlavorSum Discover for Daily Flavor News
Past Issues
April 2022
Packing Function and Flavor into Snack Bars
March 2022
The Intersection of Immunity & Flavor
February 2022
Mixing Up Memorable Sensations in Frozen Dessert