We've officially entered fall, which means 2025 is almost behind us! Of course, we had to check our Google Analytics to know which flavor articles resonated most with our audience. This month our readers learned about acquisitions, flavor ingredient applications and a new trend report for the upcoming year.
Check out the top flavor headlines from September 2025.
1. Jungbunzlauer to Acquire Illinois Multipurpose Production Site from IFF
On September 2, 2025, ingredient manufacturer Jungbunzlauer announced the signing of an agreement to acquire a multipurpose production site in Thomson, Ill., from International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF). The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025.
“This acquisition is an important step in delivering on our strategic capacity in North America,” said Bruno Tremblay, chief executive officer of Jungbunzlauer. “Establishing a U.S. manufacturing footprint allows us to work closer to many of our U.S. customers, better understand their challenges and deliver solutions that truly make a difference.”
Jungbunzlauer is a leading producer of high-quality, sustainable ingredients from natural sources and serves several industries, including food and beverage, nutrition, home care and personal care. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and serves more than 130 countries worldwide.
2. Natara Global Announces Cash Offer to Acquire Treatt PLC
On September 8, 2025, ingredient manufacturer Natara Global announced plans for an all-cash acquisition of Treatt plc, a leading manufacturer and supplier of natural extracts and ingredients.
Natara was acquired by European private equity firm Exponent in 2023, which has accelerated Natara’s growth through investment in manufacturing and service capabilities and a high-performing leadership team. Company officials hope that this acquisition will help both companies broaden their geographic reaches and give customers a larger portfolio of high-quality ingredients.
“With the support of Exponent, Natara has been investing for growth since 2023,” said Natara Global’s chief executive officer Yoram Knoop. “By combining with Treatt, we will be strongly positioned to continue our growth journey. The combination of Natara and Treatt will bring together two complementary businesses, expanding our portfolio, accelerating our capability in innovation and delivering an enhanced customer proposition globally. The combination will also create more opportunities for each company’s teams, with greater capacity for collaboration and investment in talent.”
3. Flavor Bites: Isoamyl Acetate in Tropical Fruit, Berry, Alcoholic and Other Flavors
Isoamyl acetate, or 3-methyl butyl acetate (FEMA GRAS #2055, CAS #123-92-2) is produced in increasing amounts in many fruits as they ripen. It is also a central component of many fermented beverages. These are big positive attributes. Less appealing is the fact that it is the main honey bee sting alarm pheromone (be careful not to smell banana flavors near a beehive).
There is an unfortunate temptation to automatically associate Isoamyl acetate with tutti frutti and other profiles from the past. In reality it is a uniquely important ingredient in contemporary flavors. It is particularly useful at modest levels when the goal is to accentuate ripeness.
4. Tastewise Releases 2026 Food & Beverage Trend Forecast Report
Market intelligence platform Tastewise revealed its 2026 Food & Beverage Trend Forecast. The report includes four major trends for the food and beverage industry, all focused around the central theme of “cultural shift.”
“The industry is shifting fast: brands are rethinking how they create, market and sell with customers at the center and new technologies in hand,” said chief executive officer and co-founder Alon Chen. “That momentum is clear in the global conversation. The takeaway for 2026 is clear: the brands that embrace these shifts with agility and vision won’t just keep pace. They’ll define what comes next.”
The trends were determined by Tastewise’s proprietary AI technology and consumer insights. In order to determine a trend, it must meet three criteria: surpass a critical consumer interest threshold to demonstrate longevity, show consistent, data-backed growth over the past one to two years and demonstrate growth and engagement across multiple data sources.
5. JPL Flavours Opens New UK Headquarters
Flavor house JPL Flavours announced the opening of its new UK headquarters facility in Bromborough, England. This facility, measuring over 75,000 square feet, was funded by over £11 million of investment.
“We’re on a mission to raise the bar for digital innovation in the flavor industry,” said managing director and founder Jake Lavelle. “We’ve built the new headquarters with efficiency, sustainability and innovation in mind — we can’t wait to show our customers. The new premises will provide a great home for the team and be a place where our ideas can come to life.”
JPL Flavours is the UK's only flavorist-owned flavor house. The house offers flavor solutions for sweet, savory, confectionery, dairy and sports nutrition applications.
