Processors clean up their act

With flavouring increasingly seen as an unwanted additive by consumers, flavourists are under pressure to develop ranges for 'clean label' declarations.

Flavour house Mastertaste has responded to this need with its Naturals Collection - an all-natural range of flavourings available in liquid or powder form. UK and Ireland sales director for savoury and sweet flavours Ian Tinson explains: "The main trend at the moment is towards health and wellness and cleaning up the label declarations. Consumers, led by the retailers, see the term 'flavouring' more and more as a negative word so manufacturers are under pressure not to include it on pack.

"In response to this Mastertaste developed its Chef Style range of stocks and extracts in the late 1990s to give a cleaner declaration. Our new range is based on this work."

A lot of Mastertaste's work is based on its knowledge of Maillard technology - the science of cooked foods. It produces natural reduction bases, while flavourists in the UK and Italy are developing natural top note molecules to work in harmony with these bases.

In beverages, Mastertaste is re-launching its Clarity range of flavours and extracts designed for clear beverages. Clarity flavours are clear, stable and water-white and can be used in still, sparkling, sugar-added and sugar-free applications.

The range includes citrus, orchard, berry and super fruits, as well as botanical extracts.

Close to £2M has been invested in Mastertaste's Cam base in Gloucestershire over the last two years, which has included new equipment for the factory and the research and development labs, as well as a customer friendly sweet and beverage applications facility.

CONTACT Mastertaste TEL 01453 541300