International Organization of the Flavor Industry (IOFI)

Who We are

Founded in 1969, the International Organization of the Flavor Industry (IOFI) is the global association representing the industry that creates, produces and sells flavorings worldwide. With 18 regional and national associations and 11 major global companies as members, a management staff of scientific and regulatory experts located in Brussels and Washington D.C. and a network of top-notch industry volunteers, IOFI interacts with stakeholders around the world.

The flavoring business is especially innovative placing a significant investment in product development. Consumers around the world appreciate the benefits of flavorings when they enjoy foods and beverages every day.

Uniquely positioned to represent the industry in the global arena, IOFI has the interests of members, customers and consumers in mind as it supports the safety and proper use of flavorings and helps members identify and address global challenges.

With a history of nearly 50 years, IOFI will continue to play an active role in the future as the voice of the global flavoring industry and work to ensure the international trade of products that add great value to the food and beverages consumed around the world.

How We Work

Member companies and associations drive most IOFI accomplishments. IOFI members send volunteers to work with the IOFI Secretariat staff of scientific, regulatory and communications professionals on committees and working groups. IOFI volunteers bring experience and expertise to work on varied projects in areas including science, safety, regulatory, communications, sustainability and more.

IOFI committee members tackle a variety of tasks including in-depth research, planning, analysis of major issues confronting the flavor industry, drafting of peer-reviewed papers and the development of industry positions. The breadth of experience and teamwork in our committees supports IOFI’s success as a global representative for the flavor industry. The talent pool of people with cross-cultural perspectives enriches IOFI decision-making.

Vision

Global leadership in the world of flavorings

Mission

The International Organization of the Flavor Industry advances the global trade of safe, responsibly produced flavorings that respect the environment and enrich the lives of consumers.

Strategic Objectives

Science

• Use and promote highly reliable, state-of-the-art science to assure the safe use of flavoring materials.

• Maintain and strengthen thought leadership regarding the safety of flavorings, thereby advocating for the consistency of approaches used globally for the safety assessment of flavoring ingredients.

Advocacy

• Facilitate a harmonized approach to flavoring regulations that supports a global industry.

Communication

• Build understanding and trust in flavorings and the industry through collaboration with member associations and other stakeholders.

• Be a reliable and transparent resource on all aspects of flavorings while respecting the integrity and ownership of intellectual property.

Core Values

Safety

IOFI has a robust science program that supports the safe use of the industry’s products. The organization deploys expertise to support flavoring safety for customers and consumers.

Advocacy

IOFI interacts with stakeholders from around the world to represent and support the flavor industry. Our successful advocacy is based on communication of up-to-date scientific data to support the safety of the industry’s materials for our customers and consumers.

Communication

IOFI works with its members to share the benefits of the vibrant and responsible flavor industry with stakeholders around the world.

Sustainability

IOFI recognizes the impact of resource efficiency, biodiversity protection, circular economy, human health and environmental issues. All are prerequisites for any responsible and sustainable business.

Heritage

IOFI membership includes large multi-national companies whose operations span the globe along with smaller and medium-sized businesses that are a part of the global flavoring family through membership in IOFI’s national and regional associations. Many IOFI members large and small have roots that go back hundreds of years.