Firmenich Announces 2021 Principal Flavorist Nominations

(From top left): The principal flavorist nominations include: Liliana Favaron, Penny Koester, Vincent Li, Andy Matthews and Frederic Zucca.
(From top left): The principal flavorist nominations include: Liliana Favaron, Penny Koester, Vincent Li, Andy Matthews and Frederic Zucca.

Firmenich has announced its new principal flavorist nominations for 2021, recognizing distinguished service, excellence in creation and sustained contribution to customer success. 

Related: New Beginnings: Interview with Firmenich Creation Vice President Patrick Salord

Principal flavorist distinguishes flavorists who live the Firmenich purpose every day and have shown exceptional achievement in creation, advancement of innovation as well as outstanding leadership. Principal flavorists, now numbering only 20 globally, have also been unanimously recognized by Firmenich customers for their excellence and significant contributions.

The nominations include:

  • Liliana Favaron (Europe)
    Global Savory Team
    Savory and Taste Modulation Expert
    27 years at Firmenich
  • Penny Koester (North America)
    Sweet Goods and Beverages Team
    Vanilla & Brown Notes Expert
    29 years at Firmenich
  • Vincent Li (Northeast Asia)
    Sweet Goods & Beverages Team                       
    Citrus Expert.
    5 years at Firmenich
  • Andy Matthews (Europe)
    Sweet Goods & Beverages Team
    Taste Modulation and Tea Expert
    13 years at Firmenich
  • Frederic Zucca (Northeast Asia)
    Principal Innovation Flavorist Sweet Goods & Beverages Team
    Citrus, Coffee, Tea and Botanicals Expert
    11 years at Firmenich

Amaury Roquette, vice president Naturals Platform, Creation and Portfolio, said, “Our creators are pillars of our company and the cornerstones of our industry. At Firmenich, we have always celebrated the essential role our flavorists play and the talent and expertise they bring. Two years ago, we created the new title of principal flavorist to better recognize some of our senior flavorists and their outstanding contributions to our industry.”

Patrick Salord, vice president of Creation for the Firmenich’s Taste & Beyond division, said, “This focus on developing the next generation of our creation community is an extremely important part of our Firmenich culture. Awarding the principal flavorist title is also a very exciting moment, as it paves the way for many of our future master flavorist nominations.”

Emmanuel Butstraen, president, Taste & Beyond, said, “Taste is the catalyst to accelerate the global diet transformation. Our flavorists and creation community are essential enablers of this transformation, by helping to deliver the great taste and overall enjoyment to healthier, more sustainable foods and beverages which will drive positive impact for people and planet. I am extremely proud to be celebrating this years’ principal flavorists nominees and wish them tremendous continued success in their careers.”

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