Unlocking the Sensational World of Flavours and Fragrances
A gathering of around 90 flavour, fragrance, FMCG and Sensory professionals on 11 September 2024, at the Stellenbosch University, was the forum for important industry-related discussions
Our entire interaction with the world around us – whether it be personal, professional, physical, spiritual, intellectual or emotional – is through our five senses. Our reactions to these stimuli define who we are, what we stand for and what we can achieve.
Reframed, the five senses are NOT only of importance to the Flavour, Fragrance, Sensory and Consumer Science professions, but are the means with which we all respond to every aspect of our environment.
The 2024 Western Cape SAAFFI Seminar themed “UNLOCKING THE SENSATIONAL WORLD OF FLAVOURS & FRAGRANCES – Sensory Storytelling for the Mother City” was a full-day programme and featured an impressive line-up of speakers, a hands-on workshop, an inspiring motivational presentation.
International and local Speakers addressed topics including:
• Fragrance Trends
• Flavour Trends
• Buchu – Its importance to the Flavour & Fragrance Industry
• The People in the Booth – Trained Sensory Panels and their Significance
• The Fantasy of Fish and Flavours
• Changing times? The important role of flavour in Product Development
• The UCT Cosmetic Formulating Course – Its importance for the South African Fragrance and Cosmetic industry
• Fynbos and Fragrance
The hands-on Workshop invited participants to explore the World of Flavour and Fragrance Construction, and the raw materials involved. Carefully constructed teams worked together to answer a variety of questions relating to samples on display. The session left all informed, energized, motivated and challenged and entertained!
Generous prizes were awarded and there were numerous networking opportunities with exactly the right “crowd”.
For the last 24 years, the annual SAAFFI seminars in Johannesburg and Cape Town have attracted key personnel drawn from a wide range of companies both in the flavour & fragrance sector, and from FMCG companies (who are users of flavours and fragrances), as well as academics, consultants, regulators, raw material suppliers and anyone interested in the fascinating world of fragrance and flavours. Valuable learning and networking opportunities exist for people in management, sales, marketing, technical, procurement, R&D, applications, operations, and tertiary level students.
The SAAFFI Western Cape seminar simultaneously offered a day of fun, insight and inspiration! The “cherry on the top” was a goody bag, jam-packed full of interesting products for registered delegates!
Full credit and exposure was given to all sponsors without whose support the event would have been financially impossible.
SAAFFI’s executive director, Sharon Bolel summed up the event: “The amazing event combined a programme with world-class speakers, an interactive workshop (for which the SAAFFI seminar has become renowned!) and brilliant opportunities for expanding one’s network.
SAAFFI’s key goals of offering relevant training, disseminating regulatory information and building a community of flavour, fragrance and FMCG professionals were achieved. We are so grateful for the support of industry and attendance of the delegates.”
SAAFFI, the South African Association of the Flavour & Fragrance Industry, represents all aspects of the flavour, fragrance and allied industries. It unites the industry across non-competitive issues, freeing up individual organisations to grow their business.