Happy New Year! As we look ahead to 2026, the P&F+ team looked at our Google Analytics to determine the most loved articles from the past year. This year saw many incredible headlines and features, and we can't wait to see what's coming in the year ahead.
Below are the top five flavor-related articles of 2025.
1. Scents & Flavors Launches Online Database of Materials for Flavor, Perfume Industries
On February 26, 2025, BeWiDo launched ScentsAndFlavors, an online database of materials for the flavor and fragrance industry. The database currently has over 46,500 entries with detailed information about each ingredient.
ScentsAndFlavors was developed by BeWiDo, the publisher of Volatile Compounds in Foods Online. The website is free to access and uses an intelligent search system to allow users to quickly find the information they need. Each material includes a comprehensive set of data, including physical, chemical and organoleptic properties, safety information, references in scientific literature, and suppliers of the material.
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.
“Myromi adds to our growing suite of digital tools for collaborating with customers to speed up product development,” said Fabio Campanile, global head of science and technology for Givaudan Taste & Wellbeing. “Once connected, users can explore saved aroma profiles, create new blends, leave comments, enter liking scores and fill out surveys. These capabilities eliminate much of the guesswork involved in formulation. From quickly determining product development direction to landing on the right flavor profile, the device is already delivering results.”
3. Companies Supporting Changing Consumer Needs in Weight Management and Health with Emerging Taste Solutions
As demand for health-focused dietary products surges, companies like ADM, Symrise, IFF, and dsm-firmenich are developing unique product platforms to meet evolving consumer needs, particularly those impacted by the rise of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) such as GLP-1. These companies are taking aim at consumer demands for nutrient-dense, functional foods and supplements that align with healthier lifestyles and weight management goals.
4. Unlocking Flavor: The Science of Natural Bitterness Blockers
Thanks to recent advances in neuroscience, all 40 taste receptors for the 5 basic tastes in the mouth have been identified. Twenty six of these receptors are dedicated to bitterness detection, and they are called TAS2Rs. TAS2R are glycoproteins with 300 amino acids12, and each bitter taste cell expresses multiple TAS2Rs.
What we call bitter compounds in foods are called agonists in neuroscience. There are 2,250 bitter compounds found as of 2025; we humans recognize more than 100 of them. Bitter compounds are mostly hydrophobic and small, with molecular weight at or less than 400.
Detection in the mouth leads to perception in the brain, so how is bitterness perceived?
5. MCI Miritz Citrus Intercontinental Acquires Florida Worldwide Citrus Products Group
On March 12, 2025, global citrus product supplier MCI Miritz Citrus Intercontinental announced its purchase of the majority stake of Florida Worldwide Citrus Products Group. This move is intended to broaden the capabilities of both companies and expand their reaches within the U.S. and adjacent markets.
Based in Bradenton, Fla., Florida Worldwide Citrus is a family-owned company that has operated for over 40 years with a focus on citrus and specialties. Art Soudijn will continue his role as president of the company to ensure continuity, and the Florida-based facility will be significantly upgraded.
“We are thrilled to bring Florida Worldwide Citrus into the MCI family,” said Tillmann Miritz, owner of MCI. “This acquisition will enhance our ability to serve our customers in the U.S. and adjacent markets while also positioning us to capitalize on new growth opportunities. We look forward to working closely with the Florida Worldwide Citrus team as we continue to build our presence in the U.S. while honoring the 40-year legacy of the Soudijn family company.”
