The UK Flavour Association is a National Association Ordinary Member of the European Flavour Association (EFFA) and via EFFA the International Organization of the Flavor Industry (IOFI).
EFFA was established in 1961 with a mission to protect and enhance the flavour industry’s interests for the common benefit of its members and partners. Together, the European flavour industry is responsible for about 1/3 of the global market share.
EFFA’s members are flavouring companies that manufacture or blend flavours within the EU and associations from across Europe, including the UK, Switzerland and Türkiye. Together, we share a passion for the cultural heritage of European cuisine.
A unified European approach to flavour
The objectives of EFFA and its members are:
• To promote and support a consistent, European-wide strategy on flavour issues.
• To monitor flavour related EU and other European legislation.
• To stimulate, co-ordinate and monitor best practice in regulatory, safety technical and scientific issues.
• To create networks and alliances with other European associations.
• To co-ordinate approved European work streams and projects.
IOFI
Founded in 1969, the International Organization of the Flavor Industry (IOFI) is the global association representing the industry that creates, produces and sells flavourings worldwide.
Leading global collaboration on flavour, safety and regulation
IOFI’s objectives are to:
• Use and promote highly reliable, state-of-the-art science to assure the safe use of flavouring materials.
• Maintain and strengthen thought leadership regarding the safety of flavourings, thereby advocating for the consistency of approaches used globally for the safety assessment of flavouring ingredients.
• Facilitate a harmonised approach to flavouring regulations that supports a global industry.
• Build understanding and trust in flavourings and the industry through collaboration with member associations and other stakeholders.
• Be a reliable and transparent resource on all aspects of flavourings while respecting the integrity and ownership of intellectual property.
Impact of Brexit
Following the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union, EU legislation and regulations relating to food standards and safety were retained.
Since then, there have been considerable legislative changes on both sides of the channel leading to divergence which is challenging for companies. Further political will to align some areas of legislation will bring yet more upheaval in the short term.
The UK Flavour Association helps to prepare Members for potential change through active monitoring and regular liaison with both regulators and sister associations across Europe which enables us to identify barriers to trade and help members navigate the increasingly complex requirements of importing and exporting.
As a globally-sourced industry, Brexit does not stop the UK Flavour Association’s members from providing their customers with innovative solutions for consumers.
