This year, Sonarome proudly celebrates 45 years of dedication to crafting exceptional flavours, fragrances, and food ingredients. Since its Tfounding in 1979, Sonarome has established itself as a trusted name in the industry, blending innovation, quality, and customer-centricity to deliver world-class sensory solutions. Our dedication and service to our customers dates back to the origin of our company, the creation of which was founded on providing quality customer choice. In the 1979, during a time when India’s economy was largely closed to the West, , a chemist turned flavorist, discovered the staggering extent to which the Indian consumers’ product choice was limited. Ramandeep Gulhati Inspired by insights from her travels, she understood the degree to which many of the available flavors and fragrances on the Indian market were artificial and chemical in nature. In capturing the need for flavor and fragrance variety, and her husband Ramandeep Gulhati Trilok Gulhati embarked on a taste and smell revolution, providing businesses with high quality, unique, natural flavors and fragrances to improve their products.
Fueled by its founders’ vision, Sonarome provided the Indian product market with a sense of quasi-liberation by the sheer amount of choice it provided during the start of the 21st century Indian economic boom. In 2005, the next generation, With his rich Nitesh Gulhati, joined Sonarome.
experience in Information Technology and Finance Sonarome has scaled its operation exponentially. Through the years, Sonarome has maintained a strong global presence in the B2B flavors and fragrance space by continuing to stay up to date with consumer trends. Today, Sonarome’s objectives have evolved beyond just product variety to align more closely with prevailing market demands. Reflecting healthier lifestyle choices, Sonarome has incorporated organic flavors as well as products that address salt and sugar reduction in their offerings. On the fragrance front, the emphasis lies in promoting wellness and self care through functional natural fragrances that elevate mood, enhance concentration and facilitate memory recall. Incessantly built on the foundation of catering to diverse client needs and market trends, Sonarome is your ingredient for success.
More details are gathered as our correspondent Haider Naqvi gets in conversation with, President & Mr. Nitesh Gulhati Sonarome group.
Q.1 Sonarome completes 45 years; how is the journey?
The journey of 45 years has been remarkable, filled with innovation, commitment, and resilience. From a humble beginning to becoming a trusted name in the flavor and fragrance industry, we’ve consistently delivered quality and upheld our promises to customers. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our team, the trust of our
partners, and the loyalty of our customers.
Q.2 Tell us about the natural range of products you offer?
Our product range focuses on natural and sustainably sourced ingredients to meet the growing demand for clean-label products. We offer a variety of natural flavors and seasonings, ensuring they align with stringent global certification requirements. These products are crafted to bring authentic taste and aroma to a range of applications while adhering to environmentally friendly practices.
Q.3 Does it take different types of research for flavors for different forms of states (Beverages, Confectionery, & Dairy products)?
Absolutely. Each application has unique sensory, stability, and processing requirements. For beverages, we focus on
solubility and flavor impact. Confectionery demands long-lasting taste profiles and thermal stability, while dairy requires flavors that remain consistent under varied pH and temperature conditions. Our in-house R&D team tailors solutions for each segment.
Q.4 After a humble beginning, Sonarome has now reached a stage where it is dominating much of the flavors & seasoning oleoresin trade at both national and international levels. What were the major milestones in the journey?
Some key milestones include:
1.Expanding our footprint internationally, starting with our first export to the Africa.
2.Establishing a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with advanced R&D capabilities.
3.Launching innovative encapsulated flavors for enhanced shelf-life and stability.
4.Becoming a member of the prestigious Robertet Group, which has further strengthened our global presence.
5.Continuous recognition for quality and excellence in the industry.
Q.5 How has the competitive landscape of the Food Ingredient industry changed during COVID-19?
COVID-19 accelerated the demand for immunity-boosting and health-focused products, leading to a surge in natural and functional ingredients. It also heightened the need for supply chain resilience and sustainability. Companies had to adapt quickly, and at Sonarome, we leveraged our agility and innovation to meet these new demands while maintaining quality and safety standards.
Q.6 Globally, what does Sonarome stand for in the flavors space?
Sonarome stands for excellence in crafting unique, high-quality flavors and fragrances that inspire trust and create delightful experiences. Globally, we are recognized for our innovation, reliability, and commitment to sustainability. Our partnership with the Robertet Group has further solidified our position as a leader in the industry.
Q.7 What are the different kinds of flavors, and which one variety has the highest consumption with regards to its money value?
We offer a wide range of flavors, including natural, synthetic, and encapsulated flavors for applications like beverages, dairy, confectionery, bakery, and savory products. Among these, beverage flavors such as citrus and cola have the highest consumption in terms of value due to their widespread application and demand.
Q.8 Which are the important markets of Sonarome, outside India?
Our key international markets include the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe. These regions value our ability to customize flavors for diverse cultural preferences while maintaining consistent quality.
Q.9 What is the role of in-house R&D in developing new products and processing methods?
In-house R&D is at the heart of our innovation. It allows us to stay ahead of trends, create tailored solutions, and develop cutting-edge technologies like encapsulation and natural extraction. Our R&D team works closely with customers to understand their needs and co-develop unique products that align with global standards.
Q.10 How do you view FSSAI, quality standards set by the government, and the road ahead?
FSSAI and other regulatory standards play a crucial role in ensuring food safety and quality. At Sonarome, we not only comply with these standards but also aim to exceed them. We view these regulations as a framework for fostering innovation and trust. The road ahead includes staying proactive about changes in legislation and contributing to setting industry benchmarks.
Q.11 Which natural products are used to make flavors for your products, and how different are they from Sonarome?
We use a variety of natural ingredients such as essential oils, oleoresins, and botanical extracts sourced responsibly. These ingredients form the backbone of our natural flavor range. What sets Sonarome apart is our expertise in blending these natural elements to create authentic, high-impact flavors that are both versatile and sustainable.
Q.12 What challenges do you see for your products in the near future?
The primary challenges include navigating supply chain disruptions, staying ahead of evolving consumer preferences, and addressing the growing demand for clean-label, sustainable products. Additionally, increasing competition and regulatory complexities require us to continually innovate and optimize our processes to maintain our leadership position.
