At Sovereign Flavors, It’s All About Creating What’s Next!
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ames-4385bb7/">David Ames</a>, our founder and CEO, recently sat down with TasteRadio to talk about what drives us at Sovereign Flavors: creating standout flavors and custom beverage formulations that help our partners launch and scale with confidence. With operations in both California and Texas, we&#8217;re built to support CPG brands at every stage—whether you&#8217;re crafting a new drink, a gummy, a bar, or something entirely new.
We’ve expanded our footprint in Texas with a brand-new R&amp;D lab in Kyle—and here’s the scoop we’re excited to share first: we’re also planning a 60,000-square-foot facility to further increase our capabilities and support. Why Texas? It’s simple: it brings us closer to our partners, shortens delivery times, lowers shipping costs, and taps us into a thriving food and beverage ecosystem.
But what really sets us apart isn’t just geography or growth—it’s our people. In this interview, David shares how we invest in our team so they can stay focused on what matters most: helping our customers bring bold, market-ready ideas to life. That’s how we do business—and it’s how we move flavor forward.
Check out the interview at the link below!
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Ready to get started? Let’s create something extraordinary together.

Big News: We’re Expanding Our Texas Facility!

On Saturday evening, we had the honor of hosting our 3rd Annual Gala in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—and what a night it was. The event was a true celebration of community, compassion, and generosity, bringing together partners, colleagues, friends, and family for a cause close to our hearts.
The evening featured live music by a talented saxophonist, curated specialty cocktails, and an exceptional catered dining experience. The atmosphere was lively and joyful throughout, a reflection of the spirit and generosity that filled the room.
Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we received 20 outstanding auction items donated by a wide range of individuals and organizations—including vendors, suppliers, customers, employees, and friends. In addition, we were deeply moved by several heartfelt monetary donations made during the evening. Every contribution, large or small, played a vital role in the success of this event and in advancing the mission of St. Jude.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the following donors for their generosity:
Advanced Biotech Alpha Petroleum Transport (APT) Ultra Ingredients Jazmine Alexa Photography Citrus &amp; Allied OC House of Art Petit Soiree Brenntag CIE Beautini / Jane Carlson Club Pilates ALSAC Good Boy Vodka Zulu Nyala Group Devin Tramel San Clemente Friends R6 Distillery In-N-Out Saint James Iced Tea Cutwater St. Julian Wines Newport Landing Sportfishing &amp; Whale Watching
A very special thank you to those who went above and beyond with generous monetary donations. Your direct contributions truly touched our hearts and made a meaningful impact on this event and the children and families served by St. Jude:
Flavor Materials International (FMI) MCI Miritz Citrus Manny Mejia Sophia Pollack Alan and Toni Pollack Over Ice Beverage David + Nina Ames Steve Warth
We are incredibly thankful to each and every person who contributed to making this event a success. Your support directly impacts the lives of children and families receiving care through St. Jude, and we are honored to stand alongside you in this effort.
If you are still interested in supporting this cause, donations will be accepted through Monday, April 21. Please contact Bea Alvarado at balvardo<a rel="noopener" data-start="2542" data-end="2566">@sovereignflavors.com</a> for more information.

A Memorable Evening for a Meaningful Cause: Our 3rd Annual Gala Supporting St. Jude

A strong company is built on a foundation of trust, collaboration, and shared goals. At Sovereign Flavors, fostering a culture where employees feel valued and empowered is just as important as delivering top-tier flavor solutions. We sat down with our CEO, David Ames, to gain insight into what fuels his dedication to the flavor industry, his vision for the company, and how building a strong, cohesive team has been instrumental in Sovereign Flavors’ success.
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Q: What drives your passion for your work?
Driving to the plant at 5:30 AM each morning when I am in town. I arrive by 6:00 AM to find the buildings illuminated, 60% of our parking lot full, and Sovereign well underway producing flavors in manufacturing. Across the way in R&amp;D, innovation is in progress. A few times each week, I take my gratitude walk, catching up with the team. Their grit and work ethic inspire and fuel my day.
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Q: What aspect of your job excites you the most?
The energy and dedication of our team. Seeing the manufacturing and R&amp;D teams in action, creating flavors that impact so many products, never gets old. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, and I thrive on the dynamic nature of this industry.
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Q: What is your professional background? How did your previous experiences lead you to where you are today?
I graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with a degree in Food Science. Out of college, I started in Quality Assurance before moving into sales. I worked as an Account Executive, then a Territory Manager, and later a General Manager. Eventually, in 2003, I started Sovereign Flavors. My journey through different facets of the industry has given me a well-rounded perspective that continues to guide my leadership.
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Q: What unique skills or expertise do you bring to your role?
Having been in the flavor industry for 30 years, I consider myself a lifelong student of the field. This mindset has helped shape Sovereign Flavors over the past two decades—building strong relationships with customers and suppliers, identifying business opportunities, and recruiting the best talent. Staying positive, optimistic, and committed to serving the Sovereign team is what I bring to work every day.
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Q: What are your core values in your work?
Our guiding principle is simple: we only say yes to opportunities if they are good for our customers. Everything else flows from that commitment. Customer satisfaction is at the heart of every decision we make.
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Q: What are your key achievements? Are there any standout projects or successes that you’re particularly proud of?
One of the most common questions we get is who we work for, and while we never disclose that, potential customers appreciate our discretion. Sovereign Flavors was built on the hard work of its employees and their dedication to customer service. There was no financial backing from private equity or a wealthy investor—just a team committed to excellence. Visiting our world-class facilities in Santa Ana, CA, or Kyle, TX, reinforces that our success is driven by the dedication of our team and the trusted partnerships we’ve forged with some of the most respected names in the beverage and food industry.
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David’s leadership philosophy and passion for the industry continue to drive Sovereign Flavors forward. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of flavor innovation!

Get to Know Our Founder, David Ames

Where Do Flavors Come From?
At Sovereign Flavors, about 95% of our flavoring materials are derived from natural sources. These can include essential oils, oleoresins, distillates, essences and plant materials. Think of it as Mother Nature’s pantry—packed with aromatic ingredients ready to be transformed into the flavors you love. Natural flavors are developed through processes like roasting, heating, enzymolysis, or distillation to capture their purest essence. These methods allow us to extract and enhance the most delicious characteristics of ingredients, whether it&#8217;s the zestiness of a lemon or the warmth of cinnamon.
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The Science of Safe and Compliant Flavor Creation
As a proud member of FEMA (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association), we take flavor safety seriously. With resources such as the FEMA Expert Panel, FEMA GRAS program, and guidance from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), we ensure that our flavors not only taste amazing but also meet global safety and regulatory standards. Flavors themselves aren’t inherently good or bad—it’s all about how they’re used and formulated. We carefully select FEMA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) materials to create both natural and artificial flavors, ensuring compliance with our customers&#8217; unique needs and industry regulations. At the end of the day, a good flavor is one that tastes great, meets safety guidelines, and aligns with what our customers are looking for.
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Flavoring vs. Nutrition
While flavors play a crucial role in making food and beverages enjoyable, their primary function is just that—flavoring! They don’t add nutritional value, but they do enhance the overall experience, bringing depth and excitement to the foods and drinks you love. For those curious about the specifics, the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) provides a comprehensive list of plant materials used in natural flavor creation under sections 182.10, 182.20, 182.40, 182.50, and part of 184. Artificial flavoring substances are listed under 172.510.
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Crafting Flavors with Passion and Precision
At Sovereign Flavors, we love what we do—creating high-quality, compliant, and safe flavors that delight the senses. Whether it’s a nostalgic vanilla, a tropical mango, or a daring new combination yet to be discovered, every flavor we craft is a blend of science, nature, and innovation. So, the next time you sip, savor, or snack on something delicious, take a moment to appreciate the art of flavor creation—it’s more complex (and fascinating!) than you might think!
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Ready to bring your next product to life with the perfect flavor?
Whether you need a custom formulation, a flavor match, or inspiration for your next big idea, our team is here to help. Reach out today to get started!

The Art and Science of Flavor Creation at Sovereign Flavors

At Sovereign Flavors, we are always striving to better serve our customers, and we’re thrilled to share some exciting news! Our brand-new Research &amp; Development (R&amp;D) lab in Kyle, Texas, is on track to open its doors in just a few short weeks. This state-of-the-art facility will enhance our capabilities, allowing us to continue delivering top-quality flavor solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of our customers in the greater Austin area.
Expanding Our Capabilities
With the addition of our talented new R&amp;D Manager, Lauren Muhlberger, we’re bringing exceptional expertise to our team. As a Senior Certified Flavorist with extensive knowledge in spray-dried flavors, custom taste modification formulation, terpenes, and reaction flavors, Lauren is poised to take our new lab to the next level. Her vast experience will help us unlock new possibilities for customers seeking advanced and innovative flavor solutions.
Lauren shared her excitement about joining Sovereign Flavors, stating that being part of such an amazing team is both an honor and a privilege. She expressed enthusiasm for contributing to the company&#8217;s growth, saying, &#8220;The new R&amp;D laboratory will be just as stunning as our existing facility, featuring state-of-the-art technology designed to better serve our customers. Customer service and flavor creation go hand in hand, and I cannot wait to help our customers succeed as we continue to grow!&#8221;
A Thoughtfully Designed Facility
Our new Texas R&amp;D lab is the result of years of experience and innovation. The design of this facility builds upon the foundation of our Santa Ana location, where we integrated the best ideas and advanced features from labs we’ve worked in or toured. The Texas lab takes that concept even further, incorporating everything we&#8217;ve learned over the past few years. This continuous refinement ensures that our team has the best possible environment to create and develop cutting-edge flavor solutions for our customers.
A Major Milestone for Sovereign Flavors
As the facility takes shape, our CEO, David Ames, shares his enthusiasm about this significant milestone:

We’re looking forward to welcoming our customers and partners to our new Texas facility soon. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the grand opening!

Sovereign Flavors Texas Builds Out New R&D Lab!

The world of beverages is bubbling over with exciting new trends, as Gen Z and millennials continue to shake up the market with their thirst for innovation, wellness, and nostalgia. From booze-free brews to tropical twists, these flavor-forward drinks are redefining the way we sip. Let’s dive into what’s making waves in the beverage world.
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Non-Alcoholic and Low-Alcohol Beers: The Rise of Sober Curiosity
Who needs the hangover when you can have all the flavor? The sober-curious movement has skyrocketed, with consumers seeking out non-alcoholic and low-ABV beers that deliver complexity without the consequences. These brews are packed with character, offering everything from hoppy IPAs to malty lagers, minus the heavy alcohol content. Whether it’s for wellness reasons or just the desire to enjoy more rounds without regret, the low-alcohol trend is here to stay.
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Sweet, Sour &amp; Unexpected: Flavor Experiments in Beer
Brewers are leaning into fruit-forward flavors, blending dark fruits like black cherry and huckleberry into malt-heavy beers for a bold, jammy depth. Meanwhile, citrus fruits like mandarin and tangerine are brightening up lighter beers, playing off modern hop profiles for a juicy, refreshing finish. And let’s not forget the rise of dessert-inspired brews—think caramel apple, butterscotch, and raspberry cream ales, delivering a sweet treat in every sip.
Sour beers continue their reign, evolving into a playground for adventurous palates. Fruited sours are embracing tropical flavors like mango, dragon fruit, and coconut, while candy-inspired and even pickle-flavored sours cater to those craving a tangy twist. Gose variations with lime and sea salt add a zesty, beachy vibe, proving that sour is anything but one-dimensional.
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Botanicals, Herbs, and a Touch of the Unexpected
For those seeking sophistication, botanical and herbal infusions are adding layers of depth to beers, seltzers, and RTDs. Ingredients like lavender, lemongrass, and ginger bring an aromatic complexity, appealing to both wellness-conscious drinkers and flavor adventurers alike. Meanwhile, nostalgic soda-inspired flavors—root beer, cream soda, and cola—are making their way into beers and hard seltzers, bridging the gap between childhood favorites and adult indulgences.
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Global Influence &amp; Functional Sips
Tropical and international flavors are taking over, with ube, tamarind, and calamansi bringing a global flair to the mix. Meanwhile, functional ingredients like prebiotics, adaptogens, and nootropics are adding a wellness boost to hard teas, coffees, and seltzers. And with brown sugar predicted to be 2025’s flavor of the year, expect a wave of comforting, caramelized sweetness in everything from beer to RTDs.
From nostalgic throwbacks to bold new frontiers, today’s beverage trends are proof that the industry is fizzing with creativity. Whether you&#8217;re reaching for a zero-proof beer, a botanical-infused seltzer, or a tropical sour, one thing’s for sure—the future of flavor is anything but boring. Cheers to that!
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Ready to bring these bold flavors to life? At Sovereign Flavors, we specialize in crafting innovative, on-trend flavors for beverages of all kinds—whether you&#8217;re developing a low-ABV brew, a botanical-infused seltzer, or a tropical sour.
Let’s collaborate to make your next beverage a standout in 2025.
Request a flavor sample today!

Big News: We’re Expanding Our Texas Facility!

Check Out Our Other Posts

A Memorable Evening for a Meaningful Cause: Our 3rd Annual Gala Supporting St. Jude

Get to Know Our Founder, David Ames

The Art and Science of Flavor Creation at Sovereign Flavors