We took a look at our Google Analytics to find the top headlines in the flavor from the past month. We saw a new trend report for next year, openings of new facilities and a new natural ingredient. Check out the top five flavor headlines for October 2025.
1. Marie Wright Retires from ADM, Launches Mystic Flavours Consultancy
On September 20, 2025, Marie Wright announced her retirement from ADM following a storied career as a creator and leader in the ingredient industry. She is launching a new venture, Mystic Flavours, where she hopes to share her passion for flavor.
Wright most recently served as president of creation, design and development and chief global flavorist at ADM. She led a team of over 1,200 scientists across the company’s human and animal nutrition sectors. She has also been involved with Women in Flavor & Fragrance Commerce (WFFC), serving on the executive board and in key leadership roles. Further, Wright was named a “Woman Worth Watching in STEM” by Profiles in Diversity Journal.
2. BASF Launches New Isobionics Natural Lime Ingredient
Isobionics, the biotechnology brand from flavor and fragrance company BASF, announced the launch of its newest natural ingredient, Natural alpha-Farnesene 95. This ingredient is produced from precision fermentation technology and can be used for a variety of lime applications.
The company’s press release describes the scent of Natural alpha-Farnesene 95 as a vegetable odor with celery note, followed by a sappy, plant-stem like note and fruit skin. The taste was described as sappy, slightly floral, waxy apple or pear skin, citrus and some white flower notes. Further, Natural alpha-Farnesene 95 has a 95% purity and can be used in beverages, sweets and a broad range of other citrus and fruit flavor formulations.
3. ADM Releases 2026 Flavor and Color Outlook
Flavor and color company ADM announced the publication of its 2026 trend report. The report centers around the theme “a year to cultivate personal resilience,” which sees consumers seeking to maximize their joy and feel control through their food and beverage options.
“Globally, we’re dealing with a lot right now,” said Kelly Newsome, global marketing director for the company’s colors and savory flavors division. “And I think consumers are trying to figure out how to better gain control and feel more powerful and confident in their everyday lives. So one of the ways they’re doing that is through their choices in foods and beverages.”
4. Givaudan Taste & Wellbeing Breaks Ground on Production Facility in Ohio
On October 8, 2025, Givaudan’s Taste & Wellbeing division announced the groundbreaking of its new liquids production facility in Reading, Ohio. The new site represents an investment of CHF 187 million and spans 24,000 square meters.
“This new facility represents our largest investment in the USA in many years, demonstrating the importance of the market to Givaudan and to the food and beverage industry,” said chief executive officer Gilles Andrier. “It is a tangible example of Givaudan’s 2030 strategy in action, strengthening our market and operational presence, extending customer reach and advancing sustainable, innovative solutions that consumers love.”
5. dsm-firmenich Opens Global Food Innovation Center in the Netherlands
On October 2, 2025, dsm-firmenich announced the inauguration of the Van Marken Food Innovation Center in Delft, the Netherlands. The new center is designed to help customers develop delicious, nutritious and sustainable food and beverage solutions.
“The future of food is not just a vision, it’s a reality that we’re creating right now together with our customers,” said Patrick Niels, president of the company’s taste, texture and health business unit. “Our commitment to innovation and sustainability is unparalleled. Strategically positioned at the Dutch Biotech Campus Delft - the global food and biotechnology hotspot - the Van Marken Food Innovation Center underlines our ongoing dedication to contributing to the local environment and to the Netherlands, while honoring our 155-year legacy of food and biotechnology innovation in Delft.”
