It's time once again to check our Google Analytics and find out which flavor headlines gripped our readers' attention.
1. Mint Condition from Harvest to Formulation
The unmistakable, refreshing sweetness of mint frequently inspires nostalgia. Whether it’s fond memories of holiday candies, ice cream on a hot day or the iconic taste of a brand’s signature product, mint is a stimulating flavor that’s familiar, timeless and comforting. Every year it’s becoming more challenging to source and supply these district-specific mint oils. Pressures from competing crops, disease, loss of agricultural ground and legacy growers aging out of the business continually threaten the existence of these growing districts. Tim Nemeth, principal scientist at ADM, takes a deep dive into the cultivation of mint plants, its sensory applications and how we can sustain the future of this herb.
2. Givaudan Launches Handheld Aroma Delivery Device, Myromi
Givaudan announced the launch of Myromi, a patent-pending handheld aroma delivery device controlled via smartphone. This new technology facilitates real-time user engagement and allows for collecting valuable consumer feedback.
3. IFF Reports ‘Solid’ First Quarter Results
On May 6, 2025, IFF announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2025. According to the report, net sales for the first quarter were $2.84 billion, a decrease of 2% from the same period last year. Further, loss before taxes on a reported basis was $994 million as a result of an impairment of goodwill of $1.15 billion in Food Ingredients related to the separation of the company’s Nourish segment.
4. Kelli Heinz Appointed 2025-2026 Flavor Extract Manufacturers Association President
On May 8, 2025, Kelli Heinz, vice president of marketing and industry affairs at Bell Flavors & Fragrances, was appointed president of the Flavor Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) for the 2025-2026 calendar year. Heinz has over 20 years of experience in the flavor and fragrance industry and has been a member of FEMA since the early days of her career. She chaired the FEMA Program Committee from 2013 to 2019 before joining the board of governors in 2019. She also has served on the board of directors for the Women in Flavor & Fragrance Commerce (WFFC) for the past 13 years.
5. Flavor Bites: Nerol
Nerol, (2Z)-3,7-dimethyl octa-2,6-dien-1-ol, (FEMA GRAS #2770, CAS #106-25-2) is for many flavorists a quintessential floral note for fruit flavors. The obvious comparisons are with citronellol and geraniol, both of which have strong aspects in a floral context. Nerol also has a dominant rose note, but this is enhanced by a slightly harsh edge. This may not make it the perfect starting point for rose flavors, but it can work well in many fruit flavors. In some flavors the best effect can be obtained by a careful blend of nerol and geraniol.
