#Japan #Tokyo #Hasegawa Fragrance #Bicontinuous Microemulsions #Flavor Technology

Hasegawa Fragrance's Revolutionary Development

Hasegawa Fragrance, based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, has made significant strides in the development of a new fragrance formulation that highlights the high concentration of fragrance ingredients while maintaining excellent dispersion in both oil and water environments. The research was showcased at the 2026 Kyoto Conference of the Japan Society of Agricultural and Food Chemistry between March 9 and 12, 2026.

Presentation Details

The presentation titled "Development of High Concentration, Highly Dispersible Fragrance Formulations Using Bicontinuous Microemulsions (BME)" was delivered by:

• - Yuya Ueda, Aoi Aono, Takahiro Sakai from Hasegawa Fragrance
• - Kei Watanabe from Mukogawa Women's University

Research Background

With the expansion of the processed food market in recent years, there is an increasing demand for fragrance formulations that can be incorporated at high concentrations while ensuring uniform mixing in beverages and food products. Conventional fragrance formulations struggle to achieve both goals: increasing the concentration often results in lower dispersion within food items, posing significant challenges for manufacturers tackling flavor balance and consistency.

To address this problem, the research team explored a solubilization technology known as Bicontinuous Microemulsions (BME), which has found applications in the cosmetics field. BME structures create a net-like connection between water and oil, allowing the incorporation of a large amount of oily ingredients, such as fragrances, while enabling uniform dispersion in both extensive water and oil environments.

Key Innovations

By applying BME technology, the team aimed to develop a fragrance formulation that can spontaneously disperse in liquids only with the addition of the product, while being capable of consisting of high concentrations of fragrance components. The results showed promising developments, with the formulation successfully containing 60-90% of ethyl butyrate—a compound known for its fruity, strawberry-like aroma—demonstrating excellent dispersion in both aqueous and oily conditions.

Advantages of the New Formulation

The innovative formulation provides robust aroma and flavor profiles even with minimal addition, making it easier to handle during manufacturing processes. This high-functioning fragrance formulation not only upholds flavor integrity but is also suitable for a wide range of applications, spanning from food additives to beverages.

Looking ahead, Hasegawa Fragrance plans to further explore the applications of this advanced formulation in various industries, focusing on its adaptability to processed foods and beverages. The successful integration of high aroma concentrations along with effective dispersion opens up new avenues for flavor technology in the food and beverage sector, reinforcing the company's commitment to innovation and quality in fragrance manufacturing.

In conclusion, Hasegawa Fragrance's new formulation signifies a leap forward in flavor technology, meeting both modern market demands and setting new standards for fragrance application in the food industry.