Flavour is where first impressions are made and where consumer loyalty is won.
For more than 35 years, Essential Flavours has helped food and beverage brands turn great ideas into products people come back for. Founded in Melbourne in 1989, Essential is a family-owned Australian flavour company built on collaboration, technical know-how and speed to market.
Essential flavours are available in New Zealand exclusively through Sherratt Ingredients. Food and beverage manufacturers can access an extensive portfolio of sweet flavours available in liquid and spray-dried powder formats, suitable for applications across beverages, nutrition, dairy, bakery, confectionery, snacks and nutraceuticals.
The range includes favourites such as vanilla, chocolate and fruit flavours, alongside floral or spice profiles, organic options and innovative taste solutions.
Essential also helps brands meet evolving consumer demands. Its TasteMax™ range supports sugar reduction, functionality and better-for-you reformulation by enhancing sweetness, improving mouthfeel and balancing bitterness without compromising taste.
Behind Essential is a team of flavourists, food technologists, sensory specialists and regulatory experts. The company offers application testing, dosage optimisation, pilot-scale equipment including UHT processing, sensory analysis, and market insights through the company’s Melbourne Collaboration and Sensory Research Centre and technical facilities in Australia and Vietnam.
Backed by Sedex membership and continued investment in their Australian manufacturing, research and sensory capability, Essential provides manufacturers with confidence for both local and export markets.
Essential also has a strong understanding of where flavour trends are heading. Its latest flavour trend report highlighted several flavours shaping what consumers will be eating and drinking in 2026 and beyond. These included pistachio, matcha, ube, coffee, spice, and “& Cream” flavours and combinations.
Get in touch with the team at Sherratt Ingredients to request a flavour sample or to learn more about the full range of exclusive flavours available from Essential Flavours.
For more information, contact 09 444 1676 or sales@sherratt.co.nz
