Founded in 2021, FlavorSum has emerged as a unified platform bringing together several customer-focused flavor houses across North America. This strategic integration enabled the company to streamline flavor sourcing for mid-sized and emerging food and beverage brands, offering custom solutions that solve complex flavor challenges. By consolidating expertise and resources, FlavorSum has established itself as a market leader, bridging the gap between innovation and accessibility in the food and beverage industry.
Today, FlavorSum is recognized as a leading liquid flavor supplier that goes beyond mere manufacturing to offer a comprehensive suite of services. With a diverse business model that includes regulatory guidance, analytical and application services, flavor creation, and market and shopper insights, FlavorSum helps speed the product innovation process. The company’s commitment to quality, safety, and transparency has solidified its industry reputation, ensuring that customers receive exceptional flavors and the strategic support they need to thrive in a competitive marketplace.
Through its innovative approach, FlavorSum provides clients with tailored solutions rather than generic offerings. By focusing on customer engagement, the company takes a proactive stance in helping brands navigate the ever-evolving food and beverage landscape. Whether addressing clean-label demands, meeting regulatory challenges, or developing cutting-edge taste experiences, FlavorSum positions itself as an invaluable extension of its clients’ product development teams. The company’s expertise enables brands to not only keep up with market trends but also lead the way in innovation.
At FlavorSum, partnership is at the heart of everything it does. The company prides itself on working closely with customers to develop flavor systems that align with their unique needs and market goals. The approach goes beyond simply providing flavors; it encompasses deep collaboration, problem-solving, and forward-thinking innovation so brands can differentiate and succeed.
“Our goal is to be more than just a flavor supplier. We want to be problem solvers,” says Kevin John, Food Safety Manager at FlavorSum. “When customers come to us, they’re not just placing an order. We work with them to identify pain points, explore opportunities, and develop solutions that help them succeed.”
This hands-on, consultative approach is evident in FlavorSum’s Innovation Labs and pilot plant facilities, which “serve as creative spaces for customers to experiment with formulations and refine products,” says Sheritta Gilchrist, Director of Tech Services, Environmental, and Health. These facilities provide food and beverage manufacturers with a controlled environment to evaluate the consistency, stability, and compliance of new formulations before moving into full-scale production. Whether it’s a small-scale prototype or a reformulation to meet new regulatory standards, FlavorSum’s technical experts work side by side with customers to deliver optimal results.
“We consider every aspect of product development through collaboration between our flavorists, applications scientists, and regulatory experts, giving our customers confidence in the quality of their final product,” says Gilchrist.
Beyond just testing and development, FlavorSum helps clients understand market trends and shopper preferences. By leveraging in-depth market research and sensory analysis, the company provides valuable insights that influence product positioning, flavor optimization, and innovation strategies. With an ever-growing demand for functional and clean-label ingredients, FlavorSum guides its partners through the complexities of modern flavor innovation. This data-driven approach fosters the creation of food and beverage products that meet (if not exceed) expectations.
One of the company’s greatest strengths lies in its talented and dedicated team. With approximately 140 employees across locations in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Marlton, New Jersey, and Mississauga, Ontario, the company fosters a culture of teamwork, flexibility, and excellence. FlavorSum manufactures flavor systems in Kalamazoo and Mississauga, with each of the three locations offering an Innovation Lab for collaborative working sessions. The teams bring a wealth of industry knowledge and experience, allowing FlavorSum to provide deep insights and solutions tailored to each customer’s specific needs.
“Our core values revolve around doing what’s right for our customers, for each other, and for the industry as a whole,” says John. “Striving for excellence isn’t just a motto; it’s a way of working that is embedded in our DNA.”
Indeed, FlavorSum’s team operates as a cohesive unit, with experts from various disciplines coming together to deliver comprehensive solutions. The regulatory team helps customers navigate evolving food industry requirements and comply with national and international standards. The analytical department supplies the data and assessment needed for precise flavor matching and consistency, leveraging advanced technology and methodologies to maintain the highest quality standards. This multidisciplinary approach allows FlavorSum to offer an unparalleled level of support, giving customers the confidence they need to bring their products to market successfully.
Additionally, the company prioritizes continuous education and development, so employees remain at the forefront of industry advancements. Through ongoing training, research initiatives, and active participation in trade associations, FlavorSum stays ahead of emerging trends, providing its customers with cutting-edge solutions. Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their projects, fostering a sense of innovation and excellence that translates directly into the work they do for clients.
In an industry where safety and compliance are paramount, FlavorSum sets the standard for rigorous health and safety protocols. The company is certified to a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standard known as Safe Quality Food (SQF) and has consistently received “Excellent” ratings during audits. This certification underscores FlavorSum’s dedication to food safety and its commitment to uphold the highest quality standards for every product before shipping to the customer.
“Food safety is our primary concern,” says Gilchrist. “We’ve never had a customer visit that impeded our progress, which speaks volumes about the integrity of our systems. We maintain complete transparency with our customers, helping them have full confidence in our processes.”
Regulatory changes in the food industry require companies to be proactive and adaptable. FlavorSum exemplifies this agility by staying ahead of shifts in regulations, such as the recent FDA ban on brominated vegetable oil (BVO). Anticipating such changes before they become industry mandates allows FlavorSum to offer seamless transitions for customers, eliminating supply chain disruptions and assuring compliance.
“We didn’t wait for customers to come to us with concerns about BVO; we anticipated the change and proactively worked on reformulating affected products,” John explains. “This solutions-driven mindset keeps our customers compliant without disruptions to their production.”
FlavorSum also adheres to strict allergen control policies, environmental sustainability initiatives, and rigorous quality assurance measures. These efforts further demonstrate its dedication to producing superior flavors using safe and responsible manufacturing practices. Customers can trust that the products they receive are of the highest quality and meet all necessary safety requirements.
“Our customers are responding to the ever-evolving regulatory landscape in the food ingredients space,” Gilchrist notes. “We support them by staying informed, embracing best-in-class standards, and offering batch size flexibility, from pails to drums to totes. Whatever they need, we’re ready to provide.”
FlavorSum’s fulfills its mission to facilitate innovation by delivering strategic value to food and beverage manufacturers. By embracing industry trends, deepening relationships with trade associations like the Flavors and Extracts Manufacturing Association (FEMA), and continuously improving internal systems, FlavorSum remains at the forefront of the industry. And with a leadership team focused on ambitious growth, FlavorSum is well-positioned to expand its reach and impact. Its goal is to outpace competitors by steadily enhancing its capabilities and offering unmatched service to its customers.
What truly sets FlavorSum apart is its unwavering commitment to collaboration, customer-centric innovation, and excellence in food safety. By acting as a solutions provider rather than just a supplier, FlavorSum empowers food and beverage manufacturers to bring their visions to life with confidence and precision. For food and beverage manufacturers looking for a trusted partner in flavor innovation, FlavorSum offers the expertise, resources, and dedication needed to create products that stand out in the market. With a strong business model, a talented team, and a forward-thinking approach, FlavorSum is poised to shape the future of flavor development for years to come.
