AHEAD OF
THE CURVE
AT ARC
Focus on Finlays
Inside Finlays' US-based Analytical Research Centre
Words and images: Youngmok Kim
Prioritizing technology-driven analytical research is a game-changer for tea and coffee. State-of-the-art facilities, such as Finlays’ Analytical & Research Centre, drive product quality, technical accuracy and hasten turnaround times, delivering exceptional service for customers.
Is Finlays a technology-driven company? Today, we can confidently say “yes”! Our Analytical & Research Centre (ARC) in Rhode Island, established in 2021, has been pivotal in leading Finlays' technical advancements to enhance customer support and loyalty.
As its name suggests, ARC's functions are divided equally between analytical science and basic and processing research. ARC offers 28 advanced physical and chemical analyses on tea, coffee, and botanicals, providing industry-leading analytical support.
This is achieved through our global analytical monitoring program, which has significantly improved our analytical and measurement capabilities, driving enhanced product quality and technical accuracy.
Additionally, ARC conducts essential research to ensure that Finlays' products are of the highest quality, with optimized processing methods to minimize flavor loss and maintain the best taste of our tea and coffee.
ARC's capabilities in analytical science are exceptional. The center can analyze almost all volatile (aroma) and non-volatile (solids) compounds in tea and coffee, a capability Finlays did not possess before ARC's establishment.
This enhancement has transformed our business operations. Previously reliant on sensory analysis alone, we can now provide concrete evidence supporting sensory findings, making product evaluations more robust and accurate.
Our advanced analytical capabilities allow us to analyze market and competitor products, facilitating more effective product matching. When dealing with customer complaints, we can swiftly identify whether issues originate from our side and find prompt solutions. This not only improves customer satisfaction, but also significantly reduces costs, as we can process analytical requests internally within one or two weeks.
Since its inception, ARC has fortified our internal technical knowledge through rigorous research. For example, by exploring why cold brew coffee is more palatable than hot brew coffee by analyzing the fundamental differences between the two. This research has prompted a re-evaluation of our cold extraction process, leading to ongoing improvements at our facilities in San Antonio, US, and Hull, UK.
ARC has also addressed challenges such as minimizing the haziness of tea beverages and preventing sedimentation during storage. These efforts ensure that our tea products maintain their quality and consistency, preventing tea solid loss over time.
ARC is truly the scientific powerhouse of our company. By leveraging its capabilities wisely, Finlays can firmly establish itself as a technology-driven leader in the industry.
We are dedicated to supporting you and our customers with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled analytical expertise.
In conclusion, ARC has not only bolstered Finlays' technical functions but also positioned us ahead of the curve in the industry.
With its continued efforts, we are confident in delivering the highest quality products and exceptional service to our customers, solidifying our reputation as a technology-driven company.
ARC has not only bolstered Finlays' technical functions but also positioned us ahead of the curve in the industry
Youngmok Kim
Principal Scientist, Analytical and Research Center youngmok.kim@finlays.net
