FAQ

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.

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 that particular 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.

Learn more about what makes Flavorman the best in the business, here.

Our process is simple:

1. Envision – It starts with your idea, which is always protected with a mutual non-disclosure agreement (MNDA). Our Business Development Team will listen to your vision, answer your questions, and discuss the best pathway for development. Once you’re ready to begin, we’ll send a proposal outlining the parameters of your project.
2. Create – We’ll ship your first set of samples within 10 business days of signing your project agreement. You’ll taste the samples and provide feedback to our Lab Team who will then get to work on your next set of samples. This process repeats until your drink tastes exactly as you’ve envisioned.
3. Commercialize – Once we’ve perfected your custom formula (which you own by the way), we’ll get it finalized and ready for production. We’ll scale it up, complete label reviews, and submit regulatory paperwork so you don’t have to. We’ll also conduct quality and shelf-life testing so you can feel confident as you promote your product.
4. Share – Now it’s time to share your drink with the world. While you focus on distribution and marketing, we’ll help you find a contractor to manufacture your beverage–and don’t worry, we’ll also be at your first production to make sure the job is done right.

You can learn more about our process, here.

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

No. Every beverage we create is custom formulated for each client through Flavorman’s collaborative process. Beverages are developed on a project-by-project basis; therefore, we do not sell private-label products.

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.

With nearly 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.

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.

No. Once a beverage formulation has been finalized and prepped for the first 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 at our clients’ first production to ensure your drink is made right.

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.

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.

When you’re ready to change what the world is drinking, contact The Beverage Architects® by filling out this webform.