Question 1

What is beverage development?

Accepted Answer

“Beverage development” is the technical term for the process of creating a commercial drink — alcoholic or non-alcoholic — with the intention of selling it to consumers.

Unlike a kitchen-made drink, a commercial beverage must meet FDA guidelines (or those of the appropriate regulating body for your country or municipality). It must also be consistently duplicated and infinitely scalable. This requires a beverage formulation — essentially the “recipe” for a commercial beverage.

Beverage developers like Flavorman have the technical expertise to create this formulation, which typically includes components like flavor, color, sweetener, and acid, as well as functional additives like vitamins and minerals, caffeine, herbal extracts, CBD, and/or preservatives.

At Flavorman, every beverage formulation is custom developed to meet the client’s vision for their drink.

Question 2

What is the difference between Flavorman and a flavor house?

Accepted Answer

A “flavor house” is a company that manufactures ready-made flavors and fragrances for many industries including food, beverage, and cosmetics.

In contrast, Flavorman is a custom beverage development company. We work one-on-one with each client to develop a unique beverage formula catered to each client’s specifications. Every beverage formula includes custom flavors that are designed specifically for application in a client’s specific product. This protects the viability of each formulation.

Question 3

What is the process for developing my beverage with Flavorman?

Accepted Answer

Project Kickoff – We’ll discuss your vision and come up with a clear path for development. Don’t worry, your idea is protected with an NDA.
Research & Development – Through a series of collaborative tastings, our beverage experts will develop and refine your product to meet your vision.
Commercialize – We’ll get your product finalized and ready for production. We’ll scale it up, conduct quality assurance testing, complete label reviews, submit your regulatory paperwork, and assist with your first production.
Launch – It’s time for consumers to taste your creation. And don’t worry – your Flavorman team will continue to be a resource for you. After all, your success is our success!

Learn more about our process.

Question 4

If Flavorman develops my beverage, who owns the formulation?

Accepted Answer

Flavorman does not own or sell any brands. We develop products for our clients, and our clients retain sole ownership of their formulations.

Question 5

Does Flavorman assist with distribution, branding, and marketing?

Accepted Answer

No. Flavorman is strictly a technical company and beverage development is our primary focus. We develop beverage formulations for our clients, who retain sole ownership of their formulations. Flavorman does not own or market any brand, which allows us to service our clients with the diligence and confidentiality they require, without conflicting interests.

Question 6

Is Flavorman willing to sign a confidentiality agreement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Confidentiality is something we take very seriously. We execute mutual non-disclosure agreements (MNDAs) with every client. An MNDA allows individuals and businesses to fully discuss projects without fear that the other party will wrongfully use or disclose their confidential or proprietary information.

MNDAs allow Flavorman and our clients to conduct business together candidly and openly, and foster a productive and comfortable relationship.

Question 7

What brands has Flavorman helped develop?

Accepted Answer

With over 30 years in the business, Flavorman has developed thousands of beverage formulations for entrepreneurs and start-ups, as well as some of the biggest names in the global market. While you may not recognize some brands, others are household names. Most of our clients prefer that the work we do for them remains confidential. We greatly respect this confidentiality.

Here are a few of the brands that have given us permission to share our relationship: Formula O2; Go Fast Energy; Sunsweet Growers; Chiquita; Jones Soda; Crispin Cider; Joia Spirit; Ballotin; Sugarlands.

Question 8

How much does it cost to develop a beverage?

Accepted Answer

Flavorman charges a project agreement fee to develop a beverage. This fee covers the cost of the resources used for development which depends on the complexity of the project, the timetable required, and the desired ingredients for inclusion.

We can give you a quote for developing your beverage once we know more about your idea. Contact our Business Development Team by filling out this webform

Question 9

Will Flavorman produce or manufacture my product?

Accepted Answer

No. Once a beverage formulation has been finalized and prepped for production, clients will need to partner with a contract manufacturer when they are ready to produce. Some drinks require specific processing to ensure a safe and shelf-life stable product, so Flavorman helps clients determine their needs and can recommend reputable, capable facilities specific to their concept.

At that point, Flavorman becomes the client’s flavor supplier. We’ll manufacture the unique flavor concentrate in-house and ship it to the selected contract manufacturer who will produce and package the final product. Flavorman also offers complimentary on-site assistance for our client’s first production to ensure their drink is made right.

Question 10

Why should I work with Flavorman?

Accepted Answer

Flavorman is committed to the success of you and your product. We go beyond beverage development to provide built-in professional services, educational resources, and access to a network of industry contacts, so our clients are set up to succeed even after we’ve brought their dream drink to life.

From start through finish®: that’s the Flavorman promise.

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