A Taste of Our History
Creative Flavors International (Pty) Ltd was founded in 1998. Our founding mission has become the foundation on which we are built, to sell world class flavours to the local and international communities at quantities they require and prices they can afford.
26 years later our minimum order quantity is still only 1kg per product.
From our factory, based in Cosmo – Gauteng, we service the whole of South Africa as well as export to various other countries. This year we are celebrating 26 years of service to the local industry and 23 years since our first export order.
We prioritize the highest standards in product quality, customer support, and employee excellence.
Our Mission
At Creative Flavors International, our mission is to lead the flavour manufacturing industry with integrity and excellence. We are dedicated to providing the most cost-effective flavour product solutions without compromising on quality, catering to every sector from small startups to large corporations.
We pledge to serve our customers and partners with fairness and justice, always prioritizing their needs. By consistently demonstrating honesty and trustworthiness, we aim to set a standard of conduct that inspires others to follow.
We believe in the power of competency and continuous improvement, striving to make ourselves irreplaceable through the constant refinement of our skills and the pursuit of excellence in all that we do.
Our Vision
At Creative Flavors International, we envision a future where flavour innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. We aspire to create a positive environment where openness, wisdom, and courage thrive, allowing us to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and progress.
Committed to innovation and sustainable growth, we lead by example, fostering enduring relationships with our customers and suppliers while remaining responsive to their evolving needs. With a clear sense of purpose and direction, we hope to inspire and motivate others to join us in shaping a better, flavourful future.
Look At What We Offer
- Creative Flavors boasts a library of over 5000 flavours, emulsions and colour blends for various applications.
- We have highly trained staff to assist with any food and beverage related enquiries.
- Our lab staff are technically trained to assist in solving problems that you might have with your product.
- All our flavours, emulsions and colour blends are food safe and fit for human consumption at the recommended dosage.
- Every flavour, emulsion and colour blend is manufactured inhouse according to specification following strict hygiene regulations.
- We provide Certificate of Analysis for all our manufactured products. TDS and MSDS are available on request.
- We have a flavour duplication service, where we can match a flavour from you current supplier.
- We can modify a flavour to your specific requirements.
Our Achievements
- We were voted “Best Exporter for SMME’s” in 2011 by the JCCI.
- We are ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 certified.
- 100% of our flavours and emulsions are Kosher and Halaal suitable. Certification application upon request.
- We are a longtime member of The South African Association of the Flavour and Fragrance Industry (SAAFFI).
- All our suppliers are ISO 22000, Kosher and Halaal certified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years we have developed more than 3000 different flavours for our customers. We produce flavours for beverages, baked goods, confectionary, dairy and vaping. We provide flavours in liquid, powder and emulsion form. Please see our Flavours page for our flavour categories. If your specific flavour is not present, please feel free to contact our research and development (R&D) team and visit our Product Development Page for more details.
In line with current descriptions of flavours, we distinguished between “Natural Flavours”, “Nature Identical Flavours” and “Artificial Flavours”.
Natural flavours: These are flavouring substances derived from natural sources such as fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, meats, seafood, dairy, or fermentation products. The term “natural” implies that the flavouring compounds are extracted, distilled, or otherwise derived from these natural sources. However, it’s important to note that the term “natural flavours” can sometimes be misleading, as it doesn’t necessarily mean that the flavouring substances are unprocessed or directly extracted from the original source.
Nature identical flavours: Also known as “nature-identical” or “identical flavours,” these are synthesized flavouring substances that chemically replicate the molecular structure of compounds found in natural sources. While they are synthesized in a laboratory, their chemical composition is identical to those found in nature. They are often used to ensure consistency in flavour and aroma, especially when natural sources may not provide a reliable or consistent supply of flavouring compounds.
Artificial flavours: These are flavouring substances that are entirely synthesized in a laboratory and do not exist in nature. They are created using chemical processes to mimic natural flavours or to create entirely new flavour profiles. Artificial flavours are often used when a specific flavour cannot be obtained from natural or nature-identical sources, or when it’s more cost-effective to use synthetic alternatives.
We can manufacture all three categories of flavours.
Liquid flavours capacity is 10 000kg per day. Powder flavours are 5000kg per day. Emulsion production capacity is 5000 kg/day.
We strive to maintain the highest standard of quality and hygiene. Our facility and procedures are FSSC v6 certified. Every flavour, colour blend, sweetener blend and food pre-mix is manufactured inhouse according to specification. We provide a Certificate of Analysis for all our manufactured goods. TDS and MSDS are available on request.
Maximum Lead Time from proof of payment to production to passing Quality Control is 10 working days. Delivery time is dependent on location.
Some flavourings may contain allergens, especially those derived from foods commonly known to cause allergies, such as nuts, wheat, mustard, shellfish, dairy etc. If a flavouring contains an allergen that requires labelling, it will be clearly indicated on the packaging.
Halaal and Kosher certification can be provided upon request.
Our liquid flavours emulsions are packed in 1kg, 5kg or 25kg drums and our powders in 1kg, 5kg or 20/25kg bags
For flavours (powder and liquid) and emulsions the MOQ is 1kg for stock items. Please enquire if the flavour you would like is part of that list.
Our liquid flavours are stable for 12 months and our plated powder flavours and emulsions are stable for 6 months under recommended storage conditions.
Pricing is dependent on products. Our aim is to be the most cost-effective flavour manufacturer in Africa. If our prices are not competitive, please feel free to inform us so that we can create a better priced product for you without compromising on quality.
We deliver in South Africa and to other countries. If you are based in Gauteng, and your order is at least R3000 excl. VAT, we will deliver for free, alternatively, a R300 excl. VAT delivery fee applies. A small delivery fee will be applicable to all other provinces, depending on order size. All the international consignments carry a delivery fee and we assist with export documentation at no cost to you. You are welcome to collect your orders from our factory and therefore no delivery fee will apply.
Our Story With Some Colour and Flavour
Welcome to our family. Welcome to Creative Flavors International.
Once upon a time, in 1988 Adri and Johan Stander embarked on a flavourful adventure. Their quest? To craft a powder product reminiscent of a milk juice drink. Little did they know that this venture would sow the seeds for what would later become Creative Flavors International (CFI).
In those early days, the magic happened in a humble garage. Mixing of the raw materials such as sugar, milk powder, flavour and other, was done by hand. The first pieces of equipment were a standardised scale, a concrete mixer, and a bag stitcher. Aluminium caps were ironed onto 200ml bottles and all the Standers were involved.
Among the concrete mixers and bag stitchers, they laid the foundation for their flavourful business. In 1990, Rednats Foods emerged, providing a lifeline as the garage confines became too tight. They traded the cozy confines for a larger space in Roodepoort’s industrial heart, a mere 40m2 sanctuary where dreams began to take shape.
Eight years later, in 1998, Creative Flavors International officially blossomed. Mr. Stander’s vision of bringing affordable and quality flavours breathed life into CFI. Rednats Foods stood as its stalwart ally, offering space, financial backing, and guidance as the business burgeoned and later moved to the East Rand of Johannesburg.
Yet, like all tales of growth, there were trials. A shareholder’s departure sent ripples through the business, but Mrs. Stander stepped into the breach, steering CFI through turbulent waters. The East Rand beckoned briefly, but the call of the West proved stronger, and in January 2000, CFI returned to its roots.
With each passing year, CFI’s stature swelled. Fuelled by organic growth and a relentless pursuit of excellence, they forged ahead. A new factory materialized, a testament to their soaring demand and expanding clientele.
In a pivotal moment, Mr. Stander ascended to the role of Managing Director, leveraging his expertise to chart new horizons. As the years wove their tapestry, the need for independence spurred innovation. No longer content with relying on external flavour suppliers, CFI blazed its trail. Through trials and triumphs, they birthed their own flavours at very competitive prices.
Behind the scenes, amidst the flavour symphonies, financial storms brewed. Mrs. Stander, undeterred by the chaos, unravelled the tangled threads of finances, forging a path forward. With grit and determination, she navigated the choppy waters, ensuring bills were paid, orders filled, and dreams realized, all while she finished her MBA.
Dalton joined Creative Flavors in 2011 and diligently learned the ins and outs of the Flavour business and market. In 2013 Mrs Stander handed the full responsibility of the financial department to the bookkeeper and slowly started to hand over most of her duties to Dalton. Now Dalton is not only running the day-to-day business at CFI, but also manages to service the international clients with high quality products on time.
Christian, the youngest also joined the company in 2017 and plays a pivotal role in making sure the factory is a well-oiled machine and that Bill of Materials (BOMs), as they are affectionately known, are executed promptly.
With Dalton’s experience and Mr Stander’s permission they decided in late 2022 to invest in a new factory as the old one in Roodepoort became too small, a good problem to have in those challenging times.
In 2024, March, under the guidance of Dalton, the new factory was complete, and the operations moved to Cosmo City. Andre also joined in July 2023 and is learning all the tricks of the trade in the Africa market and research and development of new products.
All the family members are now under a new roof and Creative Flavors International is ready for its next chapter. After working at CFI as the Managing Director for many years, Mr Stander is slowly handing over the reins to the next generation. He is still building on his legacy by always looking for new business and friends.
Reflecting on their journey, the Standers impart pearls of wisdom for the next generation. Clear communication, delineated roles, and a steadfast commitment to family values underpin their legacy. As CFI continues to flourish, their story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs.
So, to those who dare to dream, to those who seek flavour beyond the mundane, come, join us on this flavourful odyssey. For at Creative Flavors, every taste tells a tale, and every flavour is a masterpiece in the making.
Welcome to our family. Welcome to Creative Flavors.
