DIFFA26 symposium explores real-time food flavour analytics

The DIFFA26 symposium, hosted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, is taking place in Freising, Germany, from October 14 to 16, 2026. The event focuses on Direct Injection Food Flavour Analytics, a field dedicated to the real-time detection of volatile compounds during food production.

Unlike traditional analytical methods that rely on taking and preparing samples after a process is complete, these direct-injection techniques allow researchers to monitor changes in aroma and flavor as they occur. This capability is particularly relevant for processes such as fermentation, roasting, brewing, and the development of plant-based foods, where chemical compositions shift due to temperature, time, or microbial activity.

The symposium brings together researchers, technology providers, and industry professionals to discuss how these faster measurements can improve product development, quality assurance, and process optimization in the food and beverage sectors.