Firmenich uses Azure to produce an AI-designed flavor

Swiss perfume and taste company Firmenich announced the creation of a new flavor developed by AI. Rather than turning to their team of flavor scientists for the new formula, the company used Azure data and AI capabilities to make it happen.

The result, the company announced, is a new "lightly grilled beef flavor" for use in meat analogs. The computational approach used the firm's expertise in plant-based protein alternatives and data on the raw materials tracked in the company's expansive databases. The company reportedly has more AI-created flavors in the development process. 

Eric Saracchi, Firmenich’s Chief Digital and Information Officer, noted that AI won't replace their human flavorists, but the computing resources will be used alongside them.

The Microsoft Azure Cloud platform will enable us to harness the unique creativity of our Flavorists for enhanced formulation. We’re empowering them with a precise flavor starting point, as well as additional suggestions for optimized ingredient combinations from which they can use their rich expertise to create bespoke tastes.

The company launched its d-lab (short for digital lab) in Lausanne in 2018, with the goal of value chain digital transformation. Then in February, Firmenich's Flavor Division launched a global insights study encompassing 15,000 people across 22 countries. The goal of the project was to predict and make sense of how the Covid-19 pandemic ...