Yesterday FoodNavigator-USA.com reported that Symrise had entered into an alliance with First Choice, which is based in Germantown, Wisconsin, securing its supply of raw dairy products so it can expand its natural dairy flavor portfolio.
Thomas Barry, VP of Symrise Savory, has now told FoodNavigator-USA.com why the company wanted a closer relationship with First Choice, which was a Symrise supplier before the alliance.
He said: “The dairy flavor portfolio of Symrise has expanded significantly since its acquisition of the Chr Hansen Flavor and Seasoning assets in April of 2008.
“Symrise desired a more formal and strategic relationship with First Choice as a result of the portfolio expansion.
“In addition, if the opportunity arises, the companies are prepared to do joint development work in this category.”
Symrise claims it holds the number four position globally in the flavor business, as well as in North America, as a result of its 2008 acquisition of the Flavor and Seasoning business of Chr Hansen.
Barry said the acquisition brought additional dairy flavor expertise and knowledge to Symrise and the strategic alliance with First Choice is specifically to focus on the dairy flavor part of its portfolio of flavor capabilities.
Enzyme modified
In particular the aim is to expand what Symrise describes as its leadership in enzyme modified dairy flavor.
Barry said: “The mechanism of flavor development in enzyme-modified cheese may be compared to the curing of cheese.
“Although many of the mechanisms for flavor development in cheese are not well understood, carbohydrates, proteins, and fat undergo enzymatic degradation during cheese aging, and these reactions are important in the development of flavor in cheese and enzyme-modified cheese.
“Enzyme-modified cheeses are generally added to foods at levels of 0.1 to 2.0 percent, although they can be used at five percent of the formulation to add dairy or cheesy notes to foods and to reduce the requirement for aged cheese in food formulations.
“Products are made with real dairy ingredients and First Choice will source these and produce to a Symrise specification.
“The products from First Choice may be sold as is or further processed or top-noted by Symrise for further flavor customization.”
They will predominantly be for the US market due to regional taste profiles and cheese varieties.
End products could include cheese and dairy flavored sauces, dressings, snacks and baked goods.