In recent years, the flavors market has been affected by supply chain issues, especially during and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shane Jones, applications technologist at Mother Murphy’s Flavors, Greensboro, N.C., says that pandemic-related problems have mostly gotten back to normal.

“There are still several supply chain issues pertaining to storms hitting important growing regions, and we know there is much concern in the citrus industry as well, largely based on citrus greening disease and other environmental factors,” he shares. “We haven’t seen a dramatic impact on our raw materials, but we prepare for unforeseen issues by having multiple sources for most commonly used items.”

Jones expects no specific supply chain issues in the short term, but says there is always the possibility of one emerging.

“We try to look ahead so that we’re prepared for challenges as they arise,” he adds.

Kat Crozier, senior marketing manager of flavors for North America at Chicago-based ADM, also mentions the greening disease affecting the global citrus market, which not only impacts the quality of citrus juice and oil, but the overall yields as well.

“These challenges are helping to accelerate research and scientific advancements,” she says. “Various institutions worldwide are already investigating potential solutions for citrus greening, as well new hybrids and citrus varietals that may be less vulnerable to infection.”

Nature is rarely consistent, Crozier comments, but in the flavors market, “we strive to standardize flavor profiles regardless of crop and/or seasonal variations to ensure more consistent flavor, aroma and quality.” She says the flavors market leverages global supply, procurement partnerships and in-house capabilities to maintain access to authentic and impactful flavors from natural sources.

“For instance, ADM’s CitrusFlex citrus solutions enable juice and flavor optimization despite citrus supply challenges,” Crozier explains. “CitrusFlex encompasses our vast flavor raw material portfolio, meeting manufacturers’ requirements for cost-in-use and enabling product development with exceptional natural citrus profiles at accessible price points.”

A similar scenario has played out in the U.S. mint market, she notes.

“Verticillium wilt is an ongoing threat to mint harvests, driving researchers to understand mechanisms within the plant genome that promote disease resilience,” Crozier says. “Non-GMO breeding techniques have produced varietals with desirable molecular attributes and agronomic traits. Researchers are now screening mint varietals for plant stress hormones that could lead to indicators of drought tolerance.”

Crozier notes that ADM is supporting the development of disease-resistant mint varietals with its SustainMINT Program, which develops optimized mint plants that are disease-resistant, produce higher yields and reduce agriculture inputs.

“Plus, redistillation methods enhance the fresh profiles of our mint oils and fractions for tantalizing and authentic flavor experience across beverage formats,” she says.

Alexandra Kirsch, marketing associate at Allen Flavors, South Plainfield, N.J., states that the flavors ingredients market has experienced “significant challenges” lately due to global supply chain disruptions.

“These factors have impacted the availability, pricing and consistency of key ingredients used in flavor development, from raw material shortages and transportation delays to rising costs and geopolitical instability,” she says.

Natural ingredients have been among the most affected, Kirsch shares, such as citrus oils, vanilla and botanicals. This has prompted formulators to explore alternative sourcing, reformulation strategies and synthetic equivalents to maintain supply and product integrity, she notes.

“Lead times have also lengthened, requiring brands and suppliers to plan further ahead, build buffer stocks and diversity their supplier base to mitigate risk,” Kirsch says.

Although supply chain issues might be out of their hands, it seems that suppliers are prepared and willing to do what it takes to deliver consistent quality products.