Leaders in the science of flavor will gather to share trends and insights
by RUTH BORGER, UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. — Industry professionals and leading researchers in flavor science will gather for the 3rd International Flavor Summit March 4-6, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. The summit offers those interested in learning more about the latest trends in flavor science from experts and practitioners leading the industry over the three-day conference.
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) and the UF Center for Smell and Taste are once again co-hosting the event.
Speakers for the 2024 summit include representatives from Coca-Cola, Symrise and ADM, and other flavor experts have been invited. Speakers at past summits included representatives from ADM, IFF, Givaudan, the Monell Chemical Senses Center, Firmenich and the University of Vienna, among others. Meetings will offer insights into the cutting-edge science and current industry trends relevant to flavor.
Early registration of $895 (which includes a reduced registration fee) is now open and ends October 31. Participants may register up to the start of the conference although early registrations are appreciated. Those interested in attending should click https://flavorsummit2024.eventbrite.com For additional information, please visit the website at https://crec.ifas.ufl.edu/flavor-summit/
Yu Wang, a UF/IFAS associate professor of food science and human nutrition, said UF is bringing together global leaders in industry and science to teach and learn the latest about what makes food and drink taste great.
“We will pass this new knowledge along to our stakeholders, who include food and beverage companies, growers and other scientists so we can give consumers the tastiest and most aromatic foods and drinks on the market,” said Wang, a faculty member at CREC, in Lake Alfred, Florida, and a member at the Center for Smell and Taste.
The meetings will feature topics such as:
- flavor generation and flavor precursors,
- chemosensory perception and psychophysics,
- consumer preferences and using Artificial Intelligence to learn more about consumer trends
- natural products as sources of novel flavor compounds
In addition to experts from industry, government and academic institutions speaking on topics, the conference will also include many informal opportunities to network with colleagues, a tour and special event at Southern Hill Farms, posters and tabletop demonstrations. Meals and transportation to the special event are included in the registration fee.
The conference will be held at the Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista within walking distance of Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs and easy transport to many of Orlando’s leading entertainment venues.
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
