In this mini episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharff sits down with Ian Haworth, Business Development Director at FlavorSum, to talk all things flavor—timed with the launch of Startup CPG's first-ever Product Developer Directory. FlavorSum is a fast-growing North American custom flavor manufacturer built specifically for growing food and beverage brands and the formulators who serve them.

Ian breaks down what custom flavors actually are and when you need them, how FlavorSum's "solutions model" covers everything from marketing insights and regulatory affairs to sensory and analytical support, and why their "Amazon-like" approach—samples within 48 hours, pricing within 24—sets them apart. He also shares a great example of a father-daughter duo who came in for an in-person tech session and walked out with a finished non-alcoholic beverage concept in hours.

Whether you're a brand trying to understand what to look for in a flavor supplier or a formulator evaluating partners, this episode gives you a quick but packed look at how the right flavor house can accelerate your go-to-market.

Listen in as they discuss:

What custom flavors are and when off-the-shelf options aren't enough
The FlavorSum solutions model: marketing insights, regulatory, sensory, and analytical all under one roof
Why response time matters—and how FlavorSum built their business around 24–48 hour turnarounds
FlavorSum Access: a 24/7 portal for technical and safety data sheets
What brands should be asking about their flavors: claims, heat and pH stability, shelf life, and retailer compliance
How to get ahead of supply chain disruptions before they delay your production

Episode Links:

Ian Haworth – Business Development Director, FlavorSum

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-haworth-54561328/

🔗 Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flavorsumllc/

🌐 Flavorsum Website: https://www.flavorsum.com/contact

Startup CPG Product Developer Directory: https://startupcpg.com/product-developer-directory

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Show Links:

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Episode music by Super Fantastics