Meet Cristina Pereira, R&D Manager at Ravetllat Flavours

We are thrilled to share our conversation with Cristina Pereira, R&D Manager at Ravetllat Flavours. Cristina’s journey into the world of flavours began over fifteen years ago, through a graduate internship — a step that unexpectedly revealed a field she would grow passionate about.

Today, she leads the creation of innovative flavour solutions that shape how consumers experience food and beverages across different markets.

How did you get started in the world of flavours?

I discovered this world almost by chance sixteen years ago during a graduate internship. Until then, my understanding of what “flavour” meant was pretty basic. I thought it simply related to how things taste. Back then I had no idea that there was such a thing as companies developing bespoke flavours for food and beverage applications in an R&D lab. That revelation and the intricacies of the research and development process that go behind it, fascinated me. And from that moment on, it became part of my life.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love how dynamic and invigorating my job is. Every day brings about new challenges and the opportunity to get involved in very different and enriching projects. I particularly love the research and development aspect of my job. Even after all these years, I am still amazed to see how a flavour can completely overhaul the profile of a final product, and the consumer experience that is associated with it.

What is the most exciting project you have worked on recently?

Certainly the creation of a caramelized cookie flavour. It turned out to be one of the best-seller sweet flavours of the year, and its development was both extremely challenging and rewarding, requiring both unwavering persistence and creativity. It allowed me to dive deep into research, discover new molecules, and explore unexpected aromatic synergies.
Another exciting project was the creation of an avocado flavour. That project took an unexpected dimension as we dived deep into researching the different avocado varieties that exist and how their flavour profiles are impacted by ripeness levels. The whole development process was an exciting combination of science, creativity, and a lot of trial and error.

What impact is the company’s international growth having on the flavours division?

We are experiencing a very positive impact that is opening doors to new markets and bringing both opportunities and exciting challenges. As part of this growth, we work closely with clients across different countries, providing comprehensive technical support — including the supply of key bases used during formula development and throughout the manufacturing processes.
This direct engagement enables us to better understand market trends and local taste in each region, broadening our perspective and fueling continuous innovation. We are inspired by this diversity, which strengthens our ability to stay agile and responsive in an increasingly globalized world.

How do you think the flavours sector will evolve in the coming years?

I believe we are going to see some very interesting developments. Technology—especially artificial intelligence—will play a key role. It will allow us to analyze consumer preferences and market trends with greater precision and speed, helping us to create more personalized and targeted flavour solutions that truly match what people are looking for.

Sustainability will also continue to gain importance, with a growing demand for natural and environmentally responsible ingredients. Moreover, flavours will increasingly go beyond just sensory pleasure, offering added value—like enhancing the consumption experience or even supporting the nutritional profile of products.

If Ravetllat was a flavour, what would it be?

It would certainly be in the citrus family, with the zest of lemon and orange, something fresh and full of energy. I think that perfectly reflects the spirit of the company. There is a very positive atmosphere here, with a strong desire to keep learning, collaborating and tackling new challenges. There is a great sense of teamwork, and a shared drive to collaborate and keep growing together.