The Taste Academy is for established brands looking to improve existing lines or for early-stage and pre-launch brands looking to create their first range. Up to four brands will be selected to develop a new product from concept to taste test, or fine-tune an existing product for greater success, over 12 weeks – completely free of charge.
The Taste Academy was first launched in March 2026. Out of the shortlisted applications, Soul Kitchen, Belly Dance, FRANK and Three Robins were selected to develop innovative new products with the Givaudan team. They all found the experience an absolute game-changer:
Sam Billinge, FRANK, says: “Being selected for The Taste Academy has been a real sliding-doors moment for FRANK. Givaudan provided data around what is performing in the wider savoury-snacking category and we landed on BBQ as the flavour opportunity. What started as one new bar quickly grew into something much bigger and more exciting. Givaudan also offered to support us with our existing flavours, and we’ve now developed a completely new three-SKU range.”
Bella Acland, Soul Kitchen, says: “We used The Taste Academy to work on an entirely new range, building on our mission to reinvent instant food. The concept is an ambient, instant, lentil-based meal pot which serves as a premium and wholefood alternative to pot noodle. Givaudan helped us develop the flavour base for the first product: a Korean BBQ-style seasoning blend. It gave us the opportunity to take an idea we were really excited about and work with genuine flavour experts to make it feel commercially ready.”
The Taste Academy runs for 12 weeks from January 2027. Brands will benefit from Givaudan’s insights into global trends data and lived sensory experiences; technical brains and production muscle with access to a lab team who can perfect costs, flavours and stability whilst ensuring product compliance; access to Givaudan’s sustainable sourcing and ethical ingredient networks; and a visit to the UK centre for co-creation in Milton Keynes, where they will develop their samples, in good time for the showcase at the Bread & Jam Festival on 23rd & 24th March.
Why brands should get involved:
Karen Robinson, Three Robins, says: “We came away with a much clearer direction for the next flavour in our Little Smoothies range, but also with the backing of a global flavour expert behind the product. As a small brand, being able to say we’ve worked with Givaudan adds real credibility when we’re talking to buyers, manufacturers and other partners”.
Hannah Calder and Harriet Armston-Clarke, Belly Dance, say: “Do it! You'll work closely with Givaudan's experienced team to accelerate the development process, allowing your ideas to come to life.”
The deadline for applications is midnight on 9th November 2026, apply now. Find out more about The Taste Academy, and the criteria for entry here.
