![This was the first year of Marc van der Duijs as EFFA president, who thanked organization volunteers, 'Due the pandemic, the trip to Turkey had to be rescheduled many times, so we are very grateful to enjoy now the opportunity to be together in this beautiful Mediterranean city [..] The volunteers are always the soul and the roots of an association and we are very lucky to have such knowledgeable and committed volunteers, so a big thank you to all of you for this year’s work.”](https://img.perfumerflavorist.com/files/base/allured/all/image/2022/10/EFFA_GA_2022_President_closing_remarks.633c12f93f457.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&rect=0%2C189%2C1917%2C1080&w=700)
The European Flavour Association (EFFA) held its General Assembly 2022 in hybrid mode, in Istanbul, Turkey, as well as virtually. Attendees gathered to review the accomplishments of the association this year and start planning the priorities for 2023.
This was the first year of Marc van der Duijs as EFFA president, who started by thanking the hosting association, the Turkish Flavour & Spice Association (AREP) as well as organization volunteers, "Due the pandemic, the trip to Turkey had to be rescheduled many times, so we are very grateful to enjoy now the opportunity to be together in this beautiful Mediterranean city [..] The volunteers are always the soul and the roots of an association and we are very lucky to have such knowledgeable and committed volunteers, so a big thank you to all of you for this year’s work.”
Highlighted recent developments at the meeting included:
- 2022 brought the EFFA closer to the completion of the safety evaluation of the EU Union List of flavoring materials.
- Consolidated the role of EFFA as a reliable partner for the EU institutions.
- The first report on the EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices for which EFFA is a signatory; and that sees the Flavour of Europe developed last year for the Virtual FlavourDay taking now the form of a scented brochure (ordered via email: [email protected]).
Executive director, Alexander Mohr, Ph.D., talked about the role of the association in the complex international situation, “challenges are the new normal, but the association has continued to operate seamlessly through these changing time [..] the key is communication with the members formal and informal exchanges with our members are the backbone of our work; satisfaction of our members is our driver”.
The EFFA General Assembly is also the opportunity to receive an update on the work of the International Flavor Organization (IOFI). Executive director, Sven Ballschmiede, updated attendees on the ongoing review of the IFRA's IOFI Sustainability Charter, of which EFFA, as an IOFI member, is part.
