In troubled times such as now, the assurance and affirmation of a personal touch has never been more important.
For Artiste, “personal touch” is not just a buzz phrase; it defines our commitment to showing customers that we truly care about their success. We personalize every promise we make to our customers, along with every prediction of how that fulfilled promise will contribute to their success. From retaining and building global resource partnerships to engendering loyalty in our customers, we leave a personal touch on every aspect of our business.
Authenticity is key to this concept. Our commitment to authenticity is the reason our customers tell us they feel comfortable doing business with us. Our customers don’t just hope that we’ll deliver on every promise we make – they know we will.
Building and maintaining relationships remains as important as ever. Technology has taken over so many of our business exchanges, and the ongoing pandemic has halted the real-time and in-person meetings we grew accustomed to having with our customers. Even so, we have found ways to stay in touch with and in front of our customers, and we still have those honest exchanges that are necessary to build and retain their confidence in us.
Our connections behind the scenes are equally important. We have relationships the world over – with factories, farmers, chemists, PHDs and innovators – and we’ve been using technology to reach across the miles to build connections that continue to grow. These relationships benefit our customers by getting them the ingredients they need and want. Many companies were forced to learn and adopt these practices to adjust to unprecedented times. We, however, have been employing these practices in earnest for years to stay in touch with our partners and to bring them closer and more in tune with our customers’ goals and needs.
This signature fall and holiday spice can be found in almost every kitchen and is as versatile as it is good for you. Cinnamon is one of those signature scents that spurs many fond memories all over the world.
Not all cinnamon is created equal. Ceylon and cassia are the two most common varieties of cinnamon. Native to Sri Lanka and Madagascar, the intoxicating cinnamon scent from fresh baked cinnamon rolls or bread typically belongs to the cassia variety. Ceylon sticks, “true cinnamon,” often used for flavoring a comforting mug of warmed cider, are made from the inner layers of cinnamon bark. Creating a warm, round and beautiful flavor profile and soothing aroma.
Cinnamon’s use is steadily on the rise. A touch of this amazing spice goes a long way in sweet confections, home fragrance, crunchy snacks, holiday drinks, craft beers and even in beauty products. Loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and endless medicinal values, adding cinnamon into your product formulation is a sure-win year-round.
Keep your eyes peeled for more and more cinnamon flavors, essences and infusions in all food, beverage and wellness categories. For more information or samples of our cinnamon products or any of our other specialty ingredients, please contact Joe Raimondo at info@artiste.us.com or 201-447-1311.
At Artiste, flexibility is the second of four core principles upon which we continue to build our business. To us, “flexibility” is a mission-critical attribute that allows us to cut through layers of complexity and find ways to help our customers reach their goals.
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, remaining flexible in everything we do for our customers has never been more important. We’re prepared to adapt to customers’ needs, anticipating where possible any worldwide sourcing challenges before they come our way. “Flexibility” means being ready for whatever happens in the market and turning it into opportunity by immediately adjusting to the new paradigm.
Being flexible enables us to accommodate our customers’ needs, even in the most unexpected scenarios. In business, it takes integrity and a high regard for our customers’ value to understand the need for flexibility. At Artiste, we pride ourselves on being the best partner we can be to all who work with us.
Food shoppers are increasingly choosing items made with a short list of wholesome ingredients – i.e., foods with a “clean label.” While clean labels were originally segmented to premium products, the trend has become more widespread thanks to numerous factors, including:
So, while all new product development begins with a clear understanding of which ingredients will conform to clean-label expectations and regulations, many categories of existing consumer products are reformulating to reach “clean” status and appeal.
Clean label expectations are reaching around the globe and growing rapidly in the US market. The list of “ingredients to avoid” now stretches from GMOs, to pesticides and carcinogens, to allergens and hormones, to synthetic and artificial coloring and more.
Like the healthy ingredient movement, the clean label march will provide much innovation and reformulation, as well as ongoing consumer education.
And as we move from ingredient inclusions to meet clean label demands, millennials and Gen-Xers are also imposing strong opinions regarding sustainability, use of natural and organic over artificial or man-made ingredients, sustainability and animal treatment practices, corporate responsibility for energy conservation, and overall quality of a food manufacturer’s culture.
Sweeping change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes one or two generations to turn the world around to see a bright light of opportunity to reinvent and recreate a next generation of healthier, cleaner, earth-friendly foods and beverages that are both enjoyable and promote better health.
Healthy ingredients have always been important, but for years consumers walked a fine line between “healthy” and “not damaging to your health.”
The ingredient industry has been challenged by consumer opinion, some of which has been seasoned by strong marketing for food, beverages, snacks and confections that provide some health benefits, but that are also made with unhealthy ingredients that diminish the foods’ overall health value.
For years, simpler metrics like calorie count or reduced sugar led the march to healthier eating. Now, truth in labeling is pushing the industry to provide proof-of-performance and substantial-control studies to show an ingredient’s health benefits – or the lack of a benefit.
As the pandemic continues to plague the United States, consumer demands for healthier foods are intensifying and we expect to see companies increasingly replace unhealthy ingredients to help ensure that consumers get the best foods for their overall health.
The healthy food movement is here to stay, and we will all be healthier for it. Moving forward, the key will be for food and beverage manufacturers to lead the way with ingredients that have multiple benefits.
One of the ongoing challenges for both the ingredient industry and manufacturers is to educate consumers. The demand for healthy, safe, natural, organic and plant-based ingredients is on the rise. Also, the increasing vegan population is driving the increase in demand for healthy ingredients.
Additionally, food and beverage makers will increasingly assess their products for specific benefits such as bone health and gut health, as well as for overall nutrition. Companies also will be paying more attention to promoting sustainability; reducing the use of hormones and antibiotics; adopting “grass-fed,” “free-range” and “cage-free” livestock practices; and reducing animal cruelty.
Overall, we are moving in a smart and responsible new direction. And every day, all over the world, industry is accelerating innovation to deliver great flavor that consumers love.
A dynamic culinary herb and staple of Italian and Mediterranean cooking, basil is a fragrant herb that is among the most popular, and distinctive flavors in the world. It originated in Southeast Asia and Africa, and is among one of the easiest herbs to grow. Perhaps this is why basil is the most commonly-found herb in any home garden!
A member of the mint family, basil is available in many different varieties, each with a slightly different flavor profile. Genovese, Thai, sweet, and lemon basil are just a few cultivars of the popular herb used in an endless variety of spirits, salads, spreads, condiments, sauces, teas and even craft beers.
From a nutritional standpoint, basil is rich in vitamin K, a nutrient that is important for blood clotting and healthy bones. Basil also has a long history of medicinal use, including healing digestive complaints, regulating blood sugar, soothing mild nervous disorders and relieving rheumatic pain. As an ingredient in cosmetic and hygiene products, basil has been shown to be a powerful adaptogen, helping to protect the skin, reduce inflammation, clear acne, and brighten the complexion.
Artiste offers a variety of basil products—including many that are natural—from around the globe for use in culinary and beauty products. Each variety is unique for diverse product applications. For more information on our basil products, or any other specialty ingredients we offer, please contact Joe Raimondo at info@artiste.com or 201-447-1311.
When you’re searching for a refreshing burst of coolness, peppermint oil consistently delivers. A popular flavoring agent, peppermint oil’s distinct flavor profile imparts a fresh fragrance and cooling taste to a variety of foods, liqueurs and confectionaries. It also creates a crisp, familiar fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.
The herb peppermint is a hybrid, a cross between water mint and spearmint. Native to Europe, the peppermint plant now grows throughout North America and across the globe. Unlike peppermint extract, peppermint oil is made of pure peppermint; the concentrated oil is extracted by steam distillation from the fresh or partially dried peppermint plant just before it flowers.
Mint has been used medicinally for thousands of years, but it wasn’t until the 1700’s that peppermint was recognized as a distinct mint. Today, peppermint is used to treat many ailments, such as easing gastrointestinal distress, releasing symptoms of the common cold and congestion, easing headaches and tension, and alleviating insomnia.
Used topically, peppermint oil soothes muscle aches, itching and skin irritation. Many personal care products, including lip balm, moisturizer, soap, shampoo and toothpaste, contain peppermint oil.
Artiste’s premium specialty peppermint oil is ideal for food, beverage and dentifrice applications. Designed as a mint enhancer, our peppermint oil offers that unique point of difference – and the ultimate mint experience – when combined with other high-quality traditional mints. Interested in knowing more? Need to know, ask Joe!
Known as the powerhouse of the citrus family, lime offers an almost endless number of applications in food, beverage, fragrance, personal care, and cleaning products. Whether complementing the flavor of a cocktail mix, adding zest to a savory dish, balance to a spicy one, or bringing out the crisp top note of a scent, lime allows bolder flavors or fragrances to shine.
The flavor profile of lime can swing from tart and sour to sweet and sugary, a direct correlation to the amount of sugar or citric acid it offers. Tahitian and Key limes are among the most popular varieties found in the United States. The Key lime, a citrus hybrid, is distinguished by its unique flavor compared to other, more common lime varieties. Coupled with its thicker, darker green skin and smaller, seedier core with a stronger, more acidic aroma, the key lime is one the principal ingredients in more exotic desserts. Tahitian limes, also known as Persian limes, are believed to be a cross between a Key lime and a lemon without their seedy properties. These are the most commonly cultivated species of limes in most commercial markets.
While the precise origin of the lime is unknown, it is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, dating back over 2,500 years. It wasn’t until Columbus sailed to America on his second voyage in 1493 that limes made their way to the ‘New World’ and surrounding Caribbean countries.
Limes offer a variety of natural benefits. Packed with healthy vitamins and minerals, lime also contains flavonoid compounds that provide antioxidant and disease-fighting agents. Beneficial to the skin, the crisp scent of lime is used in a variety of new natural beauty and cosmetic products.
Artiste sources the highest quality lime essence oils, extracts, and flavors from across the globe. Each variety is unique in its taste and aroma, offering flavorists, perfumers, and chemists a host of possibilities and product applications.
To learn more, contact Joe at info@artiste.us.com or give us a call at 201-447-1311.
Consumers are compelled to read labels and are stumped when they see descriptions that say, “Made from natural flavors.”
That term is so vague to consumers. What exactly is a real, natural flavor and what makes a flavor artificial? That’s a bit tricky!
According to David Andrews, Senior Scientist at the Environmental Working Group, “natural flavor” is listed on labels in more than a fifth of the 80,000 foods the organization rates. The food’s source, he notes, is key to understanding the correct classification.
Natural flavors must originate from a plant or animal, while artificial flavors are manufactured in labs. The FDA defines artificial flavor or artificial flavoring as any substance, the function of which is to imitate flavor that is not derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermented products. Most importantly, the use of artificial flavors is solely for flavoring and not for nutrition.
Why do some juices or healthier foods need extra flavor? There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is the way these foods are made. The process by which some products are pasteurized or processed sometimes adversely impacts the fresh taste and scent. This is why you’ll see labeling on some juices stating that additional flavor has been added. Manufacturers want the product to have a distinctive yet pleasing flavor and the perfect scent, so that the food item will capture consumers’ flavor preferences and entice them to purchase it again. Think about when you buy a pack of fruit gum: The flavor is so concentrated but so short lived, so you need another piece that keeps you wanting more.
Consumers are looking for products that are healthy, natural, organic and all-around healthier. It’s clear that the best products need the best flavors and consumers need to feel confident about buying a product that is good for their family, too.
Artiste offers a variety of ingredients and flavors, many of which are natural and organic, for developers to work with in their newest food and beverage creations. Reach out to Artiste and explore what we have to offer, plus the many diversified and efficient services we provide. E-mail Artiste at info@artiste.us.com.
Pumpkin spice comes in virtually any form. From coffee to candles, you name it, they have it in pumpkin spice. As we head further into Fall, we are seeing more perfectly paired flavors to bring out the best in pumpkin spice…and we’re excited to see where this leads.
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For more information on our products or if you have any questions, please e-mail us at info@artiste.us.com
Artiste offers a superior range of premium quality citrus products from various regions around the globe including Europe, North America, South America and Central America. All of our citrus products are of the highest quality and are offered in various forms to meet the application requirements of our customers. These forms include folded, decolorized and terpeneless, plus a specialty group of natural citrus isolates.
Artiste offers a robust range of high-quality essential oils and absolutes from unique and exclusive regions from around the globe. Jasmin, black cumin seed, blue chamomile and neroli are just a few of the specialty ingredients we offer. We work closely with our customers to deliver the highest-quality ingredients that will help them formulate the best product. From beauty products to delicious confections, our partners have proven success with the specialty ingredients we provide.
From farm to finished oil, Artiste works with global leaders of the finest mint products in the world. Our oils are distinctive and recognized as considerably above most standard mint oils on the market today. Our partners have generations of experience in growing mint and in cultivating and curing mint with distinct characteristics and one-of-a-kind attributes. From the highest quality mint oils to rare hybrid mints, our remarkable team of dedicated developers can create or replicate any breed of mint, regardless of region of origin.
Artiste is a leading supplier of natural aroma chemicals to the flavor and fragrance industries. Our aroma chemicals are used in many key branded food, personal care and home products. Our long-standing global network provides a reliable and superior level of service that is both efficient and effective in achieving our customers’ creative and technical objectives as well as the product consistency needed to sustain product positioning and competitive advantage.
Artiste’s expertise in flavors, fragrances and specialty ingredients is unmatched. We have a deep knowledge of the diversified global marketplace and the unparalleled ability to source the highest quality flavors for beverages, dairy, savory or sweet applications. Our fragrances range from fine fragrance to personal care, fabric care, beauty, home care and fragrance ingredients. We have partnered with the best suppliers in the world, and these suppliers are proactive in offering Artiste unique flavors, fragrance and ingredients, plus the added confidence of consistency and transparency, to support their development and launch of new consumer products. Artiste can provide the documentation and information needed to support the need for substantiated claims, sustainability and traceability.