Inside the Bottle Ep. 3 - Our Flavor Philosophy

When Flavorman was founded 33 years ago, we exclusively developed commercial beverages through consultation-style projects. I was thrilled and eager to operate my own company to develop innovative beverages. My encouragement from fellow industry professionals was overwhelming, with one exception.

A gentleman at Jim Beam, whom I had worked with for many years, told me that charging for product development services was “like charging Alaskans for ice cubes” since clients could obtain that service for free from Flavor Companies. But I knew differently! While Flavor Companies typically sold flavors to clients alongside surface-level development work, they didn’t offer technical services like formulation design, quality control, or assistance during beverage production. Throughout our years of business, we’ve expanded Flavorman’s range of services to meet the changing needs of our clients. As our clients grew, so did their demands.

This commitment was underscored in 2018 when our team established a Flavor Laboratory as part of a five-year plan. We wanted our Beverage Architects to have more control over their formulations, but it also enhanced our clients’ experience. Part of this expansion included hiring a seasoned Flavor Chemist who understood our vision and could act as an on-site expert. When we met Tom Gibson, we knew he was the perfect fit to lead this journey for Flavorman. Tom hit the ground running by establishing a “flavor library” as a reference base for our new laboratory, and he multiplied the number of flavor options we had to offer. This significantly decreased the cost of flavor for our clients while increasing the quality.

Needless to say, this move was a game-changer. It catapulted Flavorman’s service capacity, especially for large-scale companies that demanded specific flavor concentrates. We were also able to supply flavor for customers who already have an established product and don’t require any consultative or development work. This capability is akin to a traditional flavor house, but the decades we spent mastering our beverage development services allow for a unique advantage. We know the flavor best for each beverage variable, from packaging type to formulation differences. For example, the flavor of a pasteurized beverage may not be ideal for a non-pasteurized beverage. Essentially, we have the tools to set you up for success!

In conclusion, beverage companies of any size can efficiently source high-quality, delicious, and custom flavors from Flavorman! Contact our experts today through our web form, email info@flavorman.com (mailto:info@flavorman.com), or call (502) 273-5214. Our team is excited to start this journey with you and see what you create!