Symrise delves into global disparities between generational and regional flavor and nutrition preferences

12 Sep 2022 --- Flavor preferences and nutritional goals are constantly shifting. New research from German ingredients supplier Symrise explores these shifts across broad geographies and age groups.

The company’s unique IP portfolio includes optimizing sweet taste profiles and rebalancing mouthfeel in sugar-reduced products. This also includes a diverse range of solutions for saltiness, umami, masking, mouthfeel and sensations.

In an upcoming webinar hosted on FoodIngredientsFirst, the flavor supplier will explore in-depth a host of taste balancing solutions and consumer-driven flavor research.

Taste remains king
Earlier this year, Symrise updated its Trendscope meta-analysis, highlighting that premiumization alongside naturality, health and climate-friendliness remain pivotal in food and beverage formulation.

According to the flavor house’s latest research – although health is important to consumers – taste remains important to a higher percentage of US consumers than health. 

“Consumers who buy free-from foods as a choice, rather than due to medical necessity, may believe them to be better for aspects of their health, but may not be willing to sacrifice taste,” details Symrise.

Symrise's IP portfolio includes optimizing sweet taste profiles and rebalancing mouthfeel in sugar-reduced products.Meanwhile “Lifestyle” consumers who buy free from foods out of choice comprise a large part of the consumer base for free-from foods.

Symrise discovered that 62% of Chinese Seniors who changed their diet after the pandemic did so to take care of their health in advance. 

Meanwhile 65% of German Millennials agree that being in good health is important for being successful in life, higher than for all other factors.

In other findings, 45% of US teens agree that being healthy is a focus area for them, above all other focus areas excluding doing well in school.

Symrise latest highlights
Last month, Symrise posted a “strong increase in sales and profit” observed for the first half of 2022 with organic sales growth of 10.2%. Its Taste, Nutrition & Health category achieved organic sales growth of 12.7%. In the Food & Beverage divisions, increased leisure activities and growing out-of-home consumption led to good demand for beverage and savory products.

Often considered to be swathed in mystery, flavor creation entails a host of complex steps, from the initial brief to final end-product tests, Symrise highlights. The company, which prioritizes “science-powered flavor creation,” has already implemented new tools like predictive or AI modeling, including to decode ancient recipes. 

The supplier also recently achieved a gold level certification by SAI Platform’s Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) for sustainably sourcing hibiscus. It claims to be the first in the industry to receive the recognition. This includes the promotion of sustainability across its agricultural practices in various crops and regions, supply chains and its use of water and soil.

Symrise’s in-depth webinar on taste balancing solutions and market insights will debut on September 29, 2022 at 9 a.m. CEST and at 4 p.m. CEST. Attendees can register for the event here.

By Benjamin Ferrer