Flavorcon 2024 Highlights: Organoleptic Panel, Expert Sessions, and Expo Insights at Atlantic City Event

Oct 15th, 2024

Flavorcon 2024 conference sessions ranged from confectionery to swicy (sweet and spicy) and everything in between.

Peter Wynn Thompson

Flavorcon 2024 hosted 347 attendees at the Harrah's Resort and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey October 8-9. The event kicked off with a Live Pre-Flavorcon Organoleptic Panel hosting 35 curious noses.

You can find images from the panel, speaker conference sessions, expo hall exploration and well as flavor specialists from around the world connecting at the Poolside Opening Cocktail reception by visiting https://peterwynnthompson.passgallery.com/-flavorcon2024/gallery.

Attendees have access to all speaker presentation slides by accessing their Flavorcon app.

"Navigating Regulations & Rising Prices in Citrus Oils Panel" panel featuring (L to R) Kurt Nordman (Citromax), Richard C. Pisano Jr. (Citrus and Allied Essences Ltd.) and Pia Henzi (MTI Miritz Citrus Intercontinental LLC), moderated by Jenna Troyli.Peter Wynn Thompson

Live Organoleptic Panel Recap

On October 7, Flavorcon 2024 kicked off with a pre-event Live Organoleptic Panel. We tapped moderators to take 35 attendees on a guided tour through a lineup of organoleptic materials.

NotCo's Francisco Calvero and Cindy Sigler, Ph.D., at the pre-Flavorcon Organoleptic Panel.Peter Wynn Thompson

Moderators were paired into teams of two: independent flavorist and “Flavor Bites” columnist, John Wright/PepsiCo junior flavorist Giuseppe Bongiorno and Bell Flavor & Fragrances principal flavorist, Cyndie Lipka/junior flavorist Michael Morrison.

Wright and Bongiorno reviewed:

cis-3-Hexenyl acetate
gamma-Decalactone
delta-Decalactone
Osmanthus absolute
Blackcurrant buds absolute
Antillone
Methyl dihydrojasmonate
Elderflower absolute

Lipka and Morrison reviewed:

gamma-Valerolactone Natural
Rosehip Extract
1,1-Diethoxy-3-Methylbutane
Kabosu Oil
Cinnamyl Isovalerate, Natural
Magnolia Flower Oil, P&N

The full evaluation of the materials reviewed by Lipka and Morrison, stay tuned for the January 2025 issue of Perfumer & Flavorist+!

Speaker Sessions

Flavorcon 2024 conference sessions ranged from confectionery to swicy (sweet and spicy) and everything in between. I am so thankful to have hosted two British Society of Flavourist members (one of which is the current president, Andrea Albertino, as well as the immediate past president, Trevor Groome).

British Society of Flavourists honorary president Andrea Albertino presenting "Have you ever thought about using these components in a chocolate flavor?"Peter Wynn Thompson

I also had the honor of taking the stage to moderate three discussions, touching on the topics of artificial intelligence, the state of the citrus industry and even a fireside chat with industry stalwart John Wright. It was such a privilege to share the stage with industry experts who were so open to sharing their insights with our eager-to-learn attendees.

Again, all conference session slides can be found on the Flavorcon app (www.flavorcon.com). Unfortunately, there are not slides for the panel discussions!

Highlights from the Expo Hall

Treatt was one of the many exhibitor at Flavorcon 2024, showcasing Pineapple, Guava, Orange Sparkling Water utilizing Treatt's Pineapple Treattarome, Guava Treattarome, TreattClear Orange and Sugar Treattarome 9806 as a reduced sugar beverage.Peter Wynn Thompson

Arora Aromatics Pvt Ltd.: Arora showcased its core list of ingredients mint oils and derivatives, cis-3-hexenyl alcohol and esters and some essential oils native to India such as Davana and Lemongrass.

Cherry Marketing Institute: The company highlighted U.S.-grown tart cherry juice concentrate. It’s 100% tart cherries and is used in the ingredient space in a number of applications.

Enterprise Food Products, LLC: Enterprise Food Products, celebrating its 25th Anniversary, introduced a new ingredient during the show- EFP-007-BOOST, a highly caramelized non-carrier powder. Caramelized sugar experts showcased key benefits, including Cocoa Enhancement/Reduction and Sodium Enhancement/Reduction, through tasting demonstrations.

Farbest Brands: Farbest Brands showcased Beyond Acacia, a new granular gum acacia produced by Farbest partner, Alland & Robert. This versatile product is a hydrocolloid for use in liquid beverage emulsions and flavor encapsulations. The granular form allows for improved processing time and cost savings. Lastly, Beyond Acacia is produced with a low-carbon manufacturing process and is available as non-GMO Project Verified or NOP Certified Organic.

Farbest also introduced Joe Rios as technical sales manager after joining Farbest Brands in 2023 and comes with over 20 years of experience in hydrocolloids. He brings a strong technical understanding of flavors and food ingredients to help aid customers in achieving their desired results.

IFEAT: The IFEAT 2024 Conference (https://conference.ifeat.org/) is taking place in Bangkok from November 10-14, 2024. IFEAT returns to Asia to celebrate 47 years of IFEAT. The annual gathering of the IFEAT community from across the global essential oils, flavor and fragrance industry.

IFEAT (The International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades) announced the launch of a new website and learning platform for its flagship educational program, ICATS (International Centre for Aroma Trade Studies). https://ifeat.org/2024/09/september-sale-to-celebrate-icats-platform-and-website-launch/
IFEAT-EFEO: The EU's new chemical classification rules could unfairly label natural plant extracts like essential oils as hazardous, even if they're safe when used as a whole.The IFEAT-EFEO platform is gathering scientific evidence to prove that essential oils, as a whole, are often safer than their components. This will help ensure that these valuable natural products can continue to be used safely. https://linktr.ee/ifeat77

M&U International: At Flavorcon, M&U International's primary objective was to spotlight two key product lines: cis-3 and Dairy Additives. Over the past few years, the availability of cis-3 materials has posed some challenges, leading to increased costs. However, M&U has worked diligently to secure reliable sources, enabling us to not only stabilize supply but also bring prices back to a fair market level.

M&U is among the few companies still offering essential products like diacetyl and acetyl propionyl, which are critical to the dairy flavors industry and are difficult to replace.

Since its founding in 2010, M&U has experienced consistent growth. To support M&U’s expanding business, the company has opened a new warehouse in Walnutport, Pennsylvania, in 2021. While converting the building to meet the code presented some challenges, it is now fully operational. With two fully equipped warehouses, the company has doubled its stock and shipping capacity, allowing the company to offer quicker lead times—just one of the many advantages M&U provides.

Treatt: Samples on view at the Treatt booth included:

6-methyl-5-hepten-2-yl acetate - dosed 0.4ppm in Mandarin oil.
Pineapple, Guava, Orange Sparkling Water – showcasing Treatt's Pineapple Treattarome, Guava Treattarome, TreattClear Orange and Sugar Treattarome 9806 as a reduced sugar beverage.
Orange, Honey & Lavender Iced Tea – showcasing TrueTaste Black Tea High Clarity, Lavender Treattarome, Honey Treattarome 9804 and TreattZest Orange
Peach Treattarome
2,6-dimethyl-5-hepten-1-ol - dosed 1 ppm in Watermelon Treattarome
TreattZest Lemon & TreattZest Lime & Sugar Treattarome 9811 as a reduced-sugar beverage
Orange, Honey & Lavender Iced Tea – showcasing the company's TrueTaste Black Tea High Clarity, Lavender Treattarome, Honey Treattarome 9804 and TreattZest Orange
Peach Treattarome

In June 2024 Treatt welcomed David Shannon as CEO. Shannon brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of success in our industry. Shannon has extensive global experience in selling specialty ingredients in the B2B environment for the Flavor and Fragrance and Personal Care industries. Shannon's visionary leadership will be invaluable as the company continues to grow and innovate.

In September of 2024, Treatt was delighted to announce that Paul Kollesoff will join Treatt in the newly created position of director of Strategy and Corporate Development.