Developing materials-the foundation for research and development of flavors and fragrances
The Flavor System & Technology Laboratory's major task is to supply materials for product development to the Flavor R&D Division and Fragrance R&D Division. Considering the two R&D functions as its "customers," it makes every effort to meet their needs, and in addition, also proposes newly created materials, providing support for commercialization.
The Flavor System & Technology Laboratory strives to advance the techniques for extracting and refining active elements from natural materials as well as advancing techniques for analyzing and synthesizing the elements. Recently, the center has also begun conducting research in biotechnological fields, proving its "responsiveness" to new demands. Techniques are used appropriately in accordance with the purpose of each product. The center has an array of equipment found often in university laboratories for organic chemistry, analytical chemistry and microbiology, this including analytical instruments such as gas and liquid chromatographs.
Some of the materials developed by the center function as "flavors/fragrances" by themselves. However, there are also some that do not always emit a characteristic aroma. This is because they have been designed to work much more when they are used in combination with other materials. They are, therefore, intended to function as "accent flavors," whose effects may even surprise the researchers themselves.
Taking "detours" to create high-quality materials
The Flavor System & Technology Laboratory differs from the Flavor R&D Division and Fragrance R&D Division in that it can dedicate a longer time to each piece of research. While the other two functions must respond promptly to customers and develop the products they request, the Flavor System & Technology Laboratory conducts continuous research of various materials and keeps them available to be well prepared for any requests or orders.
It is not easy to develop materials suitable for products that strongly appeals to both our customers and consumers in general. Such materials can only arise from repetitive trials and errors. The Flavor System & Technology Laboratory does not spare no effort to make these "detours." We believe that without these "detours," we would be satisfied with the materials we currently have and lose sight of what Ogawa stands for, constant improvement.
