In this series, British Baker talks to people from across the baking industry to find out about their career path, what their job involves, and the latest trends that are shaping their work.
We’re looking to showcase a diverse range of talent and job types across the industry, so if you’d like to be involved, please email amy.north@wrbm.com
Name: Kobe Kyeremateng
Age: 31
Job title: Flavourist
Company and location: International Taste Solutions (I.T.S.), Newbury
Tell us about your career to date
My career as a flavourist began in 2018 when I was lucky enough to land a job as a flavour lab assistant. Initially the role seemed daunting as I honestly had little knowledge about the industry. What ignited my interest and passion was my sheer love for chemistry. Working in the lab, mixing raw materials to create a targeted flavour simply fascinated me and before I knew it, all I wanted to do was to become a flavourist!
The journey has seen me propel from lab assistant to a flavour creation technician, then as junior flavourist and now working as a fully-fledged flavourist for the last few years.
“The job of a flavourist is not just to mimic existing flavours but also to create new and unique flavours”
Has the journey been easy?
No! Like anything else, it has come with its challenges along the way but through it all I wouldn’t change a thing as I believe it has equipped me to be a better at my job.
The journey is far from over, and I learn new things on the job every day. In order to keep my creative juices ‘flowing’, I keep up with flavour trends, research new raw materials and ingredients, study journal articles on related subjects. At I.T.S we are challenged ‘think outside the box’ when creating and/ or matching flavours.
Explain your job in a sentence (or two)
I am a specialist who designs and creates flavours for all type of food and beverages as well as cosmetics and other products by blending natural aromatic compounds. This is mostly achieved by chemistry, sensory analysis, and creativity to replicate or enhance tastes and aromas, ensuring the final product delivers a desired flavour profile while meeting safety and regulatory standards.
What does a typical work day involve for you?
No two days are ever the same. An average day could involve working on complex flavour profiles to create a brand-new flavour for a product launch or working with a customer to match a flavour.
I liaise with new companies to source and procure the correct raw materials and ingredients, from which the flavours are created, as well as taking part in sensory tasting to ensure we have developed the right flavour and that it works correctly in the finished product.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
The idea of seeing my creative thoughts come to light merely by putting a few ingredients together will always excite me; the chemistry always blows my mind! To me there is nothing more rewarding than cracking a flavour. The satisfaction when that happens is second to none, but what follows right after is the desire to crack the next one!
What upcoming trends are you excited about and why?
Currently there is a seismic shift towards plant-based and plant-unique products, with consumers looking beyond vegan alternatives to explore new plant flavours and textures. Ingredients like seeds, grains, and fruits are being used not just as replacements, but for their own unique tastes and health benefits, especially in the bakery industry.
Again in bakery, there is an increasing interest in contrasting tastes too, such as sour (cherry and grapefruit) alongside sweet, which adds complexity to bakery products. There’s also a growing trend towards nostalgic flavours, where traditional treats are reinvented with modern twists.
What is your favourite ingredient to work with and why?
Tough question as I have a plethora to choose from but I like working with ingredients that enhance the complexity of nuts and vanilla in desserts and premium sweet baked goods.
What is a common misconception about your role?
The job of a flavourist is not just to mimic existing flavours but also to create new and unique flavours that align with customer preferences, regional tastes, and trends. A flavourist tailors flavours for various products, ensuring that these flavours are stable during manufacturing processes like baking, freezing, or carbonation in beverages.
What are your ultimate career goals?
Ultimately, I will be more than elated when upon my retirement, I am able to leave a lasting positive impact in the flavour world. I aim to achieve this firstly by brightening the corner I am in and elevate myself and others around me. I hope to take on more leadership roles within I.T.S and the flavour industry, mentor junior flavourists and lead innovation in flavour creation.
Interested in a career in bakery? Check out Foodmanjobs for the latest vacancies.
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