Time to travel a bit back in time to recap The FlavourTalk 2024 Conference, which took place earlier this year on March 19, 2024, followed by the FlavourTalk Raw Materials Exhibition on March 20, 2024, in London. The 2024 event was organized by Flavour Horizons Ltd. in association with the British Society of Flavourists, hosting 300 attendees.
Perfumer & Flavorist+'s UK correspondent Jane Evison attended the event and snapped some shots of speakers, attendees and exhibitors throughout the two days of flavor-focused fun.
Speakers and Panelists
This year's conference was focused on "The Future for Flavours," investing in sessions covering the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) will have on the development, supply and application of flavoring substances and extracts, biomanufacturing methods for natural flavoring compounds, market trends and emerging regulatory concerns.
The 2024 event was organized by Flavour Horizons Ltd. in association with the British Society of Flavourists, hosting 300 attendees.Jane Evison
Keeping things interesting, Trevor Groome, Digital Innovation Platform lead, IFF, used an artificially generated voice to introduce the morning session on AI and flavor. Professor Jeremy G. Frey (University of Southampton, UK) asked if AI will win the next Chemistry Nobel prize. While ChatGPT thinks it is difficult to predict such a thing happening, it is evident that more data is being created than ever before.
"We can’t make everything, we need to be more insightful, creative, efficient and environmentally conscious and we need good predictive models," said the professor.
The panel discussion consisting of Joel Mainland, Ph.D. (Monell Chemical Senses Center and adjunct professor), Frey, Luke Bell, Ph.D. (lecturer in Temperate Horticulture, University of Reading, UK), Groome, Jane Parker (professor), Jamie Rice (director at FoodTrending, UK), unanimously concluded that AI would not replace the flavorist but it could be a great help to them.
FlavourTalk Raw Materials Exhibition
L to R: Jane Evison popped to the Fun Fair formulations from the creative minds at Robertet introduced by Gaëlle Joyaux (Natural Raw Materials Sales manager), Julie Chaix (Area Sales manager) and Celine Louis Ughetto (head of Product Management).Jane Evison
The FlavourTalk Raw Materials Exhibition had just over 30 exhibitors, allowing attendees to sample and evaluate a wide range of raw materials. Some highlights for Evison included Robertet's Fun Fair, utilizing a selection of the company's materials into fair-themed formulations like gourmet ice creams, coffee shakes, aromatic waters and subtly flavored cotton candy.
Besmoke celebrated its 20th anniversary this year and brought the festivities (complete with party hats and cupcakes) to their table.Jane Evison
Besmoke celebrated its 20th anniversary this year and brought the festivities (complete with party hats and cupcakes) to their table. The company introduced Saltex, designed to target sodium reduction in various applications. Besmoke also showcased a smoked negroni and popcorn utilizing Besmoke ingredients, as well as PureSmoke Apple Woodchips.
Fruity flavors were also on display by Austria Juice showcasing FTNF flavorings in an orange energy drink as well as exotic extracts and berry fruit gums.Jane Evison
Fruity flavors were also on display by Austria Juice and Bedoukian. The Austria Juice team showcased FTNF flavorings in an orange energy drink as well as exotic extracts and berry fruit gums while Bedoukian highlights green mint flavored water (with Spilanthol @ 10 ppm), blueberry flavored water (with Orrisol at 3 ppm) and rock melon cantaloupe flavored water (with Cantalal at 0.50 ppm).
The FlavourTalk Raw Materials Exhibition had just over 30 exhibitors, allowing attendees to sample and evaluate a wide range of raw materials.Jane Evison
Looking Forward
Flavour Horizons Ltd. managing director Dave Baines announced the next edition of FlavourTalks as well as insight into the event's altered setup, “I am pleased to announce that the 15th Anniversary FlavourTalk exhibition will be held on March 26-27, 2025, at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel Conference Centre, Kensington, London.
The exhibition will be held over two days for the first time in its history allowing more exhibitors to attend and present their products. Delegates can choose to attend on one or both days and will have the opportunity to take part in more company presentations and exhibitors will showcase their products on one of the two days. We made this change because in March this year, several companies wishing to exhibit were unable to do so because the venue was at capacity.
We will celebrate the 15th Anniversary of this event with a Networking Dinner to be held on the evening of March 26 in the Conservatory, Millennium Gloucester Hotel.“
