Developing Flavours Overseas: The Challenges and Opportunities of Global Flavour Matching

Entering the world of international beverage development introduces new and exciting challenges, especially when it comes to matching flavours across regions. At No Name Drinks, our flavour development journey has taken us from  St Leonards-on-Sea to bustling Sydney, revealing how varied and dynamic the process can be. Here, we’ll share insights into the unique hurdles and creative solutions we’ve encountered while helping brands bring flavours to global markets.

Starting with a Clear Vision

Every successful project begins with a collaborative brainstorming session focused on the client’s vision. This is where we dive into details like the target market, brand identity, and growth strategy. Whether we’re creating a classic soft drink or a craft tonic, a clear brand vision is essential. Once we understand the brand’s ethos, we begin contributing insights from a flavour development and manufacturing perspective, laying the groundwork for products that resonate with the client’s audience.

Local Projects: Streamlined and Smooth

For local projects, the flavour development process typically flows seamlessly. With access to trusted suppliers across the UK and mainland Europe, we can quickly source high-quality ingredients. Once the raw materials are in hand, we dive into the workshopping phase, creating sample batches for client feedback. After just a few iterations, we’re usually able to refine the product to its final form.

International Projects: A Whole New Ball Game

When developing flavors for markets outside Europe, however, we’ve learned that simple replication is rarely effective. Regional ingredient availability is a critical factor, as botanicals or flavour extracts readily available in Europe may be difficult or impossible to find in regions like Asia-Pacific. Multinational flavour houses can help bridge some gaps, but we often need to rethink our approach, starting with locally available ingredients and working backward to achieve a flavour profile that aligns with the brand’s vision.

Embracing Reinvention

Although international projects require more flexibility, they offer exciting opportunities for innovation. Experimenting with new suppliers and unfamiliar ingredients pushes us to think creatively and explore flavour combinations we might not have otherwise considered. In fact, some of our most inventive outcomes have come from these international projects, where the need for adaptation inspires a fresh perspective and unique results.

The Import Option: Pros and Cons

When local sourcing isn’t an option, we consider importing ingredients from the UK or Europe. However, this choice comes with trade-offs: shipping costs, import duties, extended lead times, and the impact on ingredient freshness all add complexity. Fresh ingredients, in particular, may not withstand long transport times. For brands with tight timelines or a focus on sustainability, local sourcing often remains the most practical and cost-effective solution.

Final Thoughts: A Global Approach to Flavor Development

Creating flavours for an international market is a balancing act between the client’s vision, regional ingredient availability, and logistical considerations. While the process requires adaptability and patience, the result is always worth the effort, yielding products that resonate with consumers both locally and globally. Working across borders has pushed us to be more flexible and creative, ensuring each beverage captures the brand’s identity while embracing local preferences.

With this approach, we embrace the unique challenges—and exciting possibilities—of global flavour matching. If you’re embarking on an international beverage project, being ready to adapt is essential. Sometimes, the most unique products arise from tackling these unexpected challenges head-on.

Ready to develop your international beverage? Let’s create something truly distinctive, together.

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