In April, a celebratory breakfast was held to congratulate the successful industry candidates of the 2017 SAAFFI-Wits short course on Flavours and Fragrances and to present their certificates.
The course, which is set to be presented again in 2018, is a collaboration between SAAFFI and the University of the Witwatersrand Chemistry Department. Lectures, together with hands-on practical workshops, run over the course of approximately one month, and give an overview and professional insight into the world of flavours and fragrances, and their application.
Candidates are drawn not only from flavour and fragrance companies themselves, but also all related industries and service providers: manufacturers of food, beverage, cosmetic, personal care and other FMCG products, raw material suppliers, industry consultants and academics.
The aims of the course are as follows:
- To familiarise the student with the basic workings and role of the flavour and fragrance industry
- To provide a fundamental understanding of the important role of chemistry in the research, creation, compounding and application of flavours and fragrances.
- To identify and elaborate on the chemical structures comprising the basic building blocks in flavour and fragrance creation.
- To discuss the basic analytical methods and instruments, as well as production processes and equipment used in the flavour and fragrance industry.
- To offer the students an elementary understanding of the role of flavours and fragrances in FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) and other finished products.
- To enlighten the students about the career options for chemical professionals in the flavour and fragrance industry.
Lecturers and overseers of the practical sessions are drawn from a pool of industry experts, each with a professional insight and understanding of the workings of this fascinating sector.
