Meet Juan Jose Thuemme- The Flavor Maestro: A Journey Through International Flavors and Innovations with ETADAR

The journey of a seasoned flavorist unfolds, spanning over four decades since 1978. The interviewee’s extensive background in the international flavors and fragrances industry includes significant stints in New York, Holland, and France, culminating in the prestigious role of Senior Flavorist at IFF until 2014. Post that, a fruitful collaboration with ETADAR in Mexico City ensued, marking a pivotal chapter in the development of flavors for diverse regions.

Flavorful Foundations: Tracing a Journey Since 1978

The Worlds Times: Explain your background and your company’s in detail.

Your Answer: My background spans over four decades, beginning in 1978, with a focus on developing flavors in the international flavors and fragrances industry. I’ve worked in various locations, spending 6 years in New York, 3 years in Holland, and a year in France. Subsequently, I earned the title of Senior Flavorist for IFF until 2014. Since then, I have been with ETADAR in Mexico City, contributing to the development of flavors for numerous places and countries.

The Worlds Times: Give us one word that describes you the best.

Your Answer: innovative and creative

Sweet Ambitions & Unique Strengths

The Worlds Times: What are your goals?

Your Answer: My primary goal is to specialize in creating sweet flavors, particularly for bakery and confectionery products.

The Worlds Times: What do you feel is the biggest strength of “ETADAR” right now?

Your Answer: The core strength of ETADAR lies in our expertise in developing reaction flavors, particularly those based on the Maillard reaction. Currently, our focus is on plant-based flavors, with a portfolio expanding to include processing bases for meat, poultry, and dairy—all rooted in plant-based sources.

Pathways of a Senior Flavorist

The Worlds Times: What was the path you took to get to where you are today?

Your Answer: My journey includes years of experience as a Senior Flavorist, during which I not only developed flavors but also took on the role of teaching and training junior flavorists in various regions.

The Genesis of ‘ETADAR’

The Worlds Times: Why did you start “ETADAR”?

Your Answer: I initiated ETADAR because it is a Mexican company with a global outlook, emphasizing the need for worldwide flavors, especially for exportation. Additionally, we aim to develop distinctive Mexican gourmet flavors.

Challenges as Catalysts & Innovative Creativity

The Worlds Times: What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome during the journey of your leadership?

Your Answer: My most significant challenge has been to continually expand my knowledge across various areas to create novel compounds for flavors.

The Worlds Times: What do you value the most about “ETADAR” vision?

Your Answer: I value ETADAR’s commitment to embracing new technology, providing me with the opportunity to pioneer free new technology for Mexico.

Strategies in Speed & Values in Action

The Worlds Times: What are the strategies of “ETADAR” and how do you stand unique from others?

Your Answer: Unlike other international companies that often prioritize multiple objectives, ETADAR’s strategy focuses on swift innovation, providing me, as a flavorist, the chance to succeed.

The Worlds Times: What are the key values which helped you to overcome the challenges in your path? Tell us something about your memorable incident in your leadership?

Your Answer: The key values that guided me include resilience and adaptability. A memorable incident involves navigating the complexities of the Mexican market, where creating substitutes for hard-to-find products was essential to overcome critical challenges.

ETADAR’s Expansion and Product Showcase

The Worlds Times: How do you see the company changing in three years, and how do you see yourself creating that change?

Your Answer: In the next three years, ETADAR is poised to grow by establishing more facilities in Mexico and the USA, showcasing new products developed during my tenure.

The Worlds Times: What benefits are clients getting from “ETADAR” in this competitive world?

Your Answer: Clients benefit from ETADAR by gaining access to innovative systems for developing new food products, particularly by utilizing flavors in the Mexican industry.