Quest's Timed Flavour Release Revolutionises Chewing Gums

Launched globally this month (February 2007), the Qpearl Release flavour range, in three chew-duration variations, is creating new possibilities for manufacturers seeking to develop new and unique chewing gum flavour sensations.

13/02/07 Taste and flavour expert, Quest, which is set to be acquired by Givaudan, claims to have devised the world's first chewing gum flavours that extend and control flavour release in numerous new variations, allowing one or more quick flavour bursts as well as postponed and prolonged flavour delivery.

Launched globally this month (February 2007), the Qpearl Release flavour range, in three chew-duration variations, is creating new possibilities for manufacturers seeking to develop new and unique chewing gum flavour sensations, including late-release flavours.
 
Qpearl flavour delivery technology is based on Quest's highly stable patented encapsulation system which was first applied - and operates very successfully to this day - in powder beverages and teas. The technology is built on a flavour-encapsulating matrix that blocks de-stabilising oxygen molecules from entering and prevents flavour from fading. From this flavour technology starting point, the overall Qpearl brand has grown and diversified to represent Quest's entire suite of innovative, stable flavour delivery products.
 
Latest on the scene are Qpearl Release flavours, designed specifically for the fast-moving and innovative chewing gum market. Fabio Campanile, R&D head for Flavour Delivery Technology at Quest, says: "Within our research programme, we have developed ways to precisely control the timing of flavour release upon different release triggers typically encountered during chewing gum consumption, by changing the material properties of the flavour encapsulating matrix. This technology is patented and unique to Quest.
 
"The result is not only highly stable flavours, that avoid flavour degradation for more than two years, but also highly controllable flavour release, ranging from 10 to 200 seconds of chewing, a characteristic unique to Qpearl Release flavours."
 
Quest senior product manager, Ernst van den Berg, adds: "In the case of chewing gum, you often sense a concentrated burst of flavour at the start and then the brain gets used to the degree of flavour and does not perceive it to be so strong. With Qpearl Release flavours, however, we can control the flavour impact so that you get a second or a third burst of flavour as the chewing process continues, reawakening the intense sensation.
 
"In fact, we can combine any sequence of shorter and longer flavour releases, creating a whole repertoire of flavour sensations in a single piece of gum."
 
Campanile adds: "Another exciting breakthrough is our ability to 'layer' completely different flavours in a single gum, releasing them at different stages as you chew. Previously, you could only blend flavours, like cherry and orange, and taste them at the same time - never in sequence, as separate waves of flavour, which we have managed to achieve thanks to Qpearl."
 
Qpearl Release flavours, suitable for both sugar-based and sugar-free gums, are also label-friendly, non-GMO and can be made with no allergens, as well as being suitable for Kosher and Halal applications.
 
Quest sees a global trend in the dynamic chewing gum market, with manufacturers consistently looking to diversify their products with remarkable innovations and consumers demanding to experience new taste sensations.
 
Van den Berg comments: "Our Qpearl SweetBytz coated core range delivered highly stable flavour hotspots with exciting visual effects, and has proven to be a great success in innovative confections in Europe, America and Asia. We are now excited about the benefits that Qpearl Release can add."
 
More Qpearl flavour delivery solutions for a wide range of applications, beyond chewing gums and confections, are expected in 2007.