Virginia Dare commemorates 100 years

June 24, 2023

Global vanilla and flavours company Virginia Dare is commemorating its 100th year in business, celebrating 100 years of flavour since it entered the food and beverage industry as an extracts and flavour supplier.

“Upholding the taste experience through flavour is what we have been focused on since day one,” said Howard Smith, President of Virginia Dare. “Flavour truly is forever. All of us have tastes that take us back to specific moments in our lives – whether it’s a vanilla soft serve ice cream cone or cotton candy from the carnival. Our team is so proud to be a part of some of the memories that consumers hold dearest.”

Virginia Dare is celebrating its centennial at the IFT FIRST and SupplySide West trade shows with booth events where show attendees can toast to the future of flavour. The company said it sees this future as one that will continue to move towards health and wellness.

At IFT FIRST Virginia Dare will sample wellness focused applications include Super Berry Lemonade-flavoured EPA/DHA gummies and strawberry-flavoured functional fruit snacks for relaxation.

“Our samples will highlight the biggest trends shaping the flavour industry, from nostalgia-inspired profiles to exotic fruits,” explained Philip Caputo, Marketing & Consumer Insights Manager at Virginia Dare. “These flavours tell unique stories and take consumers on a journey.”

“Our 100-year milestone is the perfect time to revitalise our physical and digital presence, celebrate with our long-standing customers and new prospects at this year’s trade shows, and look forward to the next 100 years of flavour innovation,” added Smith. “We encourage anyone looking to launch products that will be part of shaping the next generation of foods, beverages, and nutrition to visit our trade show booths and toast to both the past and the future.”

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