Welcome to the Education & Careers section of the SAAFFI website.

SAAFFI, the South African Association of the Flavour & Fragrance Industry, is a voluntary non-profit grouping of most of the more important creators and suppliers of flavourings and perfume compounds in South Africa, as well as some suppliers to this industry.

The Flavour and Fragrance industry, as well as the industries it serves – the Food, Beverage, Cosmetic, Household products industries – offer many interesting and fascinating career paths. The Industry is a fascinating one, which needs well-trained staff with a passion for the finer things in life.

Flavour plays an important role in the consumption and acceptance of food, as well as in the quality of life in general. Its appreciation varies from region to region depending on cultural differences, the types of food, the way it is prepared and its availability. The changing world demographics over the last century necessitated a more formal approach to mass food supply, resulting in the food industry as we know it today. The preparation of safe food for mass distribution normally requires a certain amount of processing that can result in some loss of flavour. The addition of scientifically and creatively developed flavourings is needed to compensate for this loss. Furthermore their inclusion in snacks, soft drinks, desserts, confectionery and so on satisfies present-day demand for pleasure and variety.

The fragrance industry is multi-faceted, with fine fragrances holding a celebrity status within it. Beyond the exclusiveness of fine fragrances, perfumery is intricately associated with the benefits of other products - from shampoos and cosmetics to laundry detergents and household cleaners. Fragrances make clothes smell “clean”, cosmetics “pretty”, and households “well kept”. Fragrances create a mood. Consumers look to a fragranced environment to add quality to their lives, enjoying such items as scented candles, fragrance sprays, shower gels and pomades to provide the benefits they seek. Fragrances, together with the sense of smell, add an invisible colour to everyday life.

An important goal of the Association is the spread of knowledge and the broadening of the skills base within South Africa.

With its programmes of skills development, SAAFFI ‘s aims include:
•Attracting new career-oriented personnel into the Flavour & Fragrance Industry, and the industries it serves,
•Increasing the knowledge of staff already employed in the Flavour & Fragrance Industry
•Improving the understanding about flavours and fragrances within the food/ beverage and cosmetic/toiletry industries

The pages included in this chapter of the SAAFFI website help attain these goals.