Flavour developed by artificial intelligence

International perfume and taste company Firmenich has developed what is claimed to be the “first ever” flavour made by artificial intelligence.

The lightly grilled beef taste, which will be used in plant-based meat alternatives, is a key milestone in Firmenich’s digital transformation across its value chain.

Firmenich’s Chief Digital and Information Officer Eric Saracchi said the company is marrying the most fundamental elements of our DNA — innovation and creativity.

“AI enables us to explore new boundaries by empowering our creators with a precise formula starting point, as well as additional selections for optimised ingredient combinations from which they can create bespoke tastes,” Saracchi said.

The AI flavour was created in collaboration with Microsoft leveraging the entirety of Firmenich’s raw material base.

Firmenich Flavours President Emmanuel Butstraen said COVID-19 has changed the food innovation landscape as well as the consumer marketplace.

“We must understand and evolve to these rapidly evolving [changes] with more creativity at an even faster pace,” Butstraen said.

“The exciting addition of AI allows us to leverage different raw materials and explore new creative leads.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/M.Dörr & M.Frommherz