DSM-Firmenich expands olfactory receptor work for flavor and scent ingredients

DSM-Firmenich says its scientists can now work with nearly all of the roughly 400 human olfactory receptors, up from about 70 previously, following a late-2024 technical breakthrough. The company applies this receptor biology to sweetness modulators, umami enhancers, bitter blockers, malodor control and off-note blocking, citing Novasense BEER refresh for non-alcoholic beers, clearsense for deodorant and ModulaSENSE Marine for omega micro-algal solutions.

Key facts

Market context

Human olfactory receptors are the proteins that detect smell and taste-related signals, and ingredient makers use them to design molecules that boost or mask sensory notes. Sweetness modulators and umami enhancers help brands cut sugar or salt without losing flavor, while bitter blockers and off-note blockers fix unpleasant tastes in beverages, supplements and plant-based foods. In personal care, malodor control molecules are used in deodorants, home care products and oral care. Demand is driven mainly by food and beverage reformulation, non-alcoholic beverages, deodorant and home care, and health and nutrition products. Broader receptor coverage can shorten development cycles and let suppliers offer targeted, specification-driven ingredients rather than broad-purpose fragrance or flavor blends. For buyers, this type of capability tends to shift competition toward companies with proprietary sensory data and application expertise, rather than changing commodity supply or price levels directly.

Source: official release on our-company.dsm-firmenich.com. Summary and context written by Market Krystal.