Meet Alex Heppel
“I like the challenge of making something taste right – when you finally crack it, that’s the rewarding part.”
- Job Title: Beverages Applications Technologist
- Company: Mane
- Degree: BSc Food Science, University of Nottingham
From Physics to Food
Alex’s path into the flavour industry wasn’t a straight line.
At school, he was set on becoming a scientist, with a particular interest in physics. A memorable trip to Fermilab in the US only reinforced that ambition. He even started a physics degree but soon realised it wasn’t the right fit.
After leaving university, Alex moved into hospitality, managing high-end cocktail bars. But his interest in science never went away.
“I held on to that scientific inclination but I’d also developed a real passion for food and drink, especially beverages.”
In 2019, he made a bold decision. He applied to study Food Science at the University of Nottingham and within weeks, found himself enrolled.
“It was slightly chaotic timing it was through clearing and just before COVID but it was a phenomenal decision.”
Discovering the Flavour Industry
Like many, Alex didn’t know the flavour industry existed until he was already on his degree.
“It’s a strange industry, unless you know someone in it, you don’t really know what’s behind the curtain.”
His introduction came through a placement application at Mane, a flavour house based near Nottingham. Although he wasn’t selected for the placement role, the company saw potential.
A year later, just before graduating, they reached out again.
“They asked if I was still interested – I bit their hand off!”
The role aligned perfectly with his background in beverages and his interest in product development and creativity.
What Does a Beverages Applications Technologist Do?
Alex describes his role as the link between customers and flavour products.
“My job is the interface between the customer and our product – not sales, but the technical side.”
In practice, that means:
- Interpreting customer briefs
- Selecting suitable flavours from a large portfolio
- Applying them in real drink formulations
- Presenting and refining products
It’s a mix of science, creativity and problem-solving.
“One flavour isn’t just one flavour. You might have 50 versions of pineapple, all with different profiles, carriers and applications.”
His work can range from simple flavour selection to complex co-development projects with customers. He also helps troubleshoot challenges, such as how a flavour behaves in a specific format.
No Two Days the Same
There’s no such thing as a “typical day” in Alex’s role.
One day might involve developing drinks from scratch. Another might focus on flavour matching by recreating the taste of a flavour already popular in the market.
For example, he’s recently been working on improving mango flavours by:
- Analysing market products
- Using sensory data to understand flavour profiles
- Collaborating with flavourists to develop new options
- Testing them in real beverage applications
“It’s a mix of lab work and desk work, probably about a third on the computer and the rest in the lab.”
The Creative Challenge
For Alex, the most rewarding part of the job is solving complex briefs.
“I actually find the more restricted briefs more creative – when you have to make something taste right within constraints.”
That challenge, refining and iterating until a product works, is what keeps the role engaging.
“When you’re on iteration 32 and it finally clicks then that’s a great feeling!”
Seeing a finished product on the shelf is another highlight, even if he’s just one part of the process.
Collaboration & Connections
A big part of Alex’s role involves working closely with customers.
Rather than long back-and-forth development cycles, customers often visit the lab to co-create products in real time.
“You can cut a month of development into a day by working together on the bench.”
Over time, these collaborations build strong professional relationships.
“It’s a very collaborative industry and you build real connections with people.”
Career Progression
There’s no fixed ladder in the flavour industry but there are clear pathways.
For Alex, the next step is becoming a Senior Technologist, developing deeper expertise in beverages and flavour systems.
Beyond that, options include:
- Moving into management
- Specialising further in technical areas like compounding
- Transitioning into technical sales roles
“A lot of account managers actually start in roles like mine.”
Skills for Success
Alex highlights a mix of technical and personal skills as key:
- Scientific understanding – especially chemistry and food science
- Creativity – developing and refining new ideas
- Resilience – not getting discouraged when things don’t work
- Communication – from presentations to clear, concise emails
- Willingness to learn – constantly improving through experience
“You don’t need to be a ‘super taster’. It’s more about learning, iterating and being open to improvement.”
Developing a Flavour Mindset
While his sensory abilities have evolved, Alex emphasises that it’s not about having a perfect palate.
Instead, it’s about learning how to describe and apply flavour effectively.
“My language has definitely improved. I can describe flavours much more precisely now.”
Advice for Aspiring Flavour Professionals
Alex’s advice is simple: be proactive and start conversations.
“Speak to flavour houses. Ask about internships or work experience, even if it’s only for a week.”
He also suggests being open to different entry points into the industry, including regulatory or technical roles.
“Once you’re in, you can move around and find what suits you.”
The best thing about being a Beverages Applications Technologist
Alex shares what he enjoys most about working in the flavour industry. From the creativity involved in solving challenging flavour briefs to the rewarding moment of seeing products reach supermarket shelves. Alex also highlights the collaborative nature of the role and the close partnerships involved in developing new beverage concepts.
Final Thoughts
Alex’s journey shows that there’s no single route into the flavour industry.
From physics to cocktails to food science, his path has been shaped by curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to take opportunities.
“It’s an industry full of variety and unless you look for it, you might never know it’s there.”
Could Flavour Be Your Future?
Alex’s story highlights the diversity of roles within the flavour industry. Whether you’re interested in science, creativity or working closely with customers, there are opportunities to explore.
Sometimes, the right career isn’t the one you planned, it’s the one you discover along the way.