Welcome to the Careers section of the SAAFFI website.

SAAFFI, the South African Association of the Flavour & Fragrance Industry, is a voluntary non-profit association grouping creators and suppliers of flavourings and fragrance compounds, as well as closely aligned industries and services, in South Africa.

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 science and creativity.

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.