U.S. Consumers Want More Fragrances And Flavors

Demand is expected to increase in the U.S. for flavor- and aroma-enhancing products. The Cleveland-based Freedonia Group Inc. reported in a study that U.S. demand for flavors and fragrances will increase 3.5% annually to $4.6 billion in 2009.

Contributing to the increased demand are gains in anti-aging skin-care products, tooth-whitening dentifrices and fortified foods industries, which often require flavors or fragrances to mask unappealing tastes or aromas. Also driving demand is growth in the environmental-fragrance industry, which includes air fresheners and scented candles.

Foods will remain the largest market for flavors and fragrances based on their widespread use in processed and convenience foods, bakery and dairy products, candy and confections and snack foods. The popularity of more authentic flavors should spur demand in this market.

Additionally, the further expansion of fortified foods -- particularly in the dairy and candy and confections segments -- will provide opportunities for growth because flavors are often used to mask unpleasant tastes of vitamins and minerals.