Inspired by Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year, 19-4052 Classic Blue, an evocation of stability in disruptive times, Firmenich flavorists created a natural, fresh, blueberry taste, while Firmenich perfumers crafted a unique fragrance symbolizing the meeting of sky and sea. The multisensory additions are included in a box set associated with the Color of the Year announcement.
Perfumer Ashley Balavoine created a scented candle that evokes Classic Blue with notes of “water and sea salt lifted by airy sky,” an accord with notes of “fluffy cloud with waterlily and seaweed absolute,” followed by bottom notes of “blue musk, minerals and ocean timber,” per Firmenich.
Flavorist Eric Tang created a sweet blueberry flavor with green, floral and “Classic Blue notes.” The flavor has been demoed in tea, jam and other products.
It’s no surprise that the Flavor of the Year for 2020 is classic blueberry, based on insights across 5,000 consumers in 16 countries. Firmenich’s research discovered that blueberry flavor was associated with happiness and a sense of comfort.
This isn’t the first time a muti-sensory approach has been taken for the color of the year. For the 2016 Color of the Year, Firmenich created a fragrance, Harmony, that blended the moods of Serenity and Rose Quartz, the colors of the year. The genderless scent comprised rose Centifolia, musks and incense for a weightless effect.
“It’s a pleasure working with Pantone’s Color of the Year, as it gives us yet another opportunity to shape perfumery trends and popular culture,” said Armand de Villoutreys, president, perfumer and ingredients, Firmenich. “Not only did we develop a unique olfactive concept for Classic Blue, but we applied it to one of the industry’s largest growing segments, premium scented candles, to increase wellness and positive emotions in homes and offices everywhere.”
“Familiar and reassuring, blueberry and fresh green notes are a distinctive feature of Classic Blue,” said Emmanuel Butstraen, president of flavors, Firmenich. “Today, with our increasing focus on health and wellness, blueberries are in a real sense becoming rediscovered, and growing to be one of the most relevant flavors in many areas of food and beverages.”
