This section provides an overview of furaneol (strawberry furanone or pineapple furanone), covering its manufacturing processes and regulatory status, applications in flavour, fragrance, food, and specialty chemical industries. Also, please check out the introduction to furaneol manufacturers, supply chain issues, furaneol suppliers, and furaneol prices. Sinofi can help you buy furaneol at bulk wholesale prices based on FEMA 3174 and CAS 3658-77-3.
Table of Contents
What is Furaneol?
Furaneol, also known as strawberry furanone or pineapple furanone, represents one of the most significant flavour compounds in modern formulation work. It has earned its place as an essential tool in the flavour industry due to its unique sensory profile and widespread natural occurrence in many commercially important fruits and foods. Furaneol belongs to the furanone family of compounds, characterized by a five-membered heterocyclic ring containing oxygen. The molecule possesses both hydroxyl and ketone functional groups, which contribute significantly to its chemical reactivity and sensory properties. The compound exists in equilibrium between its keto and enol forms, a characteristic that influences its behavior in various formulation matrices and processing conditions. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), furaneol is approved to be used in the flavour, fragrance, and food industries.
Regulatory Status and Safety Considerations
Furaneol has been evaluated by relevant regulatory authorities like JECFA, EFSA, RIFM, ECHACHEM, NIST, and WHO. In the United States, it is recognized as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use as a flavouring substance. The compound appears on the FEMA GRAS list and is approved for use in the European Union under the flavouring regulation. This broad regulatory acceptance, combined with its natural occurrence in commonly consumed foods, makes furaneol a reliable choice for formulation work in global markets. The fragrance standard of furaneol has been set by organizations such as IFRA.
Natural Occurrence
Furaneol occurs naturally in numerous fruits and foods, which contributes to its clean label appeal and consumer acceptance. The compound is found in particularly high concentrations in strawberries, where it serves as one of the primary contributors to the characteristic strawberry aroma. It is also present in pineapples, tomatoes, mangoes, and various other tropical fruits.
Beyond fresh fruits, furaneol forms during thermal processing of foods. It is a key component in the flavour profile of roasted coffee, baked goods, and caramelized sugar products. This dual presence in both fresh and processed foods makes furaneol an important bridge compound in formulation work, particularly when developing products that aim to balance fresh fruit notes with cooked or caramelized characteristics.
Sensory Characteristics and Flavour Profile
The sensory profile of furaneol is notably complex and concentration-dependent. At low concentrations, typically in the parts-per-billion range, furaneol imparts an intensely sweet, caramel-like character with distinct strawberry notes. As concentration increases, the profile shifts toward a more pronounced burnt sugar or caramelized characteristic. This versatility makes furaneol particularly valuable for formulation engineers seeking to create depth and complexity in flavour systems.
CAS No.: 3658-77-3
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of furaneol is 3658-77-3.
CAS Name: Furaneol
Molecular Formula: C6H8O3
Molecular Mass: 128.13
Appearance: White to light yellow powder.
JECFA Number: 1446
Food Chemicals Codex Listed: Yes
Melting Point: 78.00 to 81.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Boiling Point: 215.53 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg (est)
Solubility: Soluble in oil and dipropylene glycol; Insoluble in water.
Other Names:
♦ Strawberry furanone
♦ Pineapple ketone
♦ Dimethylhydroxy furanone
♦ Alletone
♦ 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethylfuran-3(2H)-one
♦ 4-Hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone
♦ 2,5-Dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone
Furaneol Odor
Odor Strength: High, recommend smelling in a 1.00 % solution or less.
Substantivity: 320 hours at 20.00 % in dipropylene glycol
Odor Description: At 1.00 % in propylene glycol, strongly fruity, on dilution, strawberry and pineapple-like
FEMA Number 3174
According to the Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), the FEMA number of furaneol is 3174.
Bulk Furaneol Manufacturers
The bulk production of furaneol is concentrated among a relatively small number of specialized chemical manufacturers, reflecting both the technical complexity of synthesis and the niche nature of the market. Top furaneol manufacturers like Firmenich, Symrise, and Lluch Essence maintain a strong presence in the market, particularly those serving customers with stringent quality and regulatory requirements. Firmenich owns the Furaneol® trademark and pioneered commercial production in the 1960s. Firmenich and Symrise, while primarily known as flavour houses, also engage in the production or sourcing of key aroma chemicals, including furaneol, for their internal formulation needs. Chinese furaneol manufacturers have emerged as significant suppliers in the bulk furaneol market over the past decade. They typically offer competitive pricing due to lower production costs and have invested in scaling up production capacity to serve both domestic and international markets. European furaneol production generally commands premium pricing but offers advantages in terms of regulatory documentation, quality consistency, and technical support.
Sinofi is a bulk furaneol manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of strawberry furanone and pineapple furanone. We supply high-quality furaneol at bulk prices and serve flavour, fragrance, food, and specialty chemical industries worldwide.
Manufacturing Process of Furaneol
The manufacturing of furaneol can be accomplished through several synthetic routes, and the choice of production method significantly impacts both cost structure and product positioning. Chemical synthesis remains the dominant production method for bulk quantities. This approach typically involves multi-step organic synthesis starting from commercially available precursors.
Chemical Synthesis Routes
The predominant method for commercial furaneol production relies on multi-step organic synthesis, with several distinct routes having been developed and refined over decades of industrial practice. The most widely employed synthetic approach begins with readily available starting materials such as rhamnose or other six-carbon sugars. The classical route involves acid-catalyzed degradation of rhamnose under controlled conditions to form the furanone ring system. This process typically requires heating rhamnose in an aqueous acidic medium, with sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid serving as the catalyst. The reaction proceeds through a complex series of dehydration and rearrangement steps that ultimately yield the desired 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone structure.
Fermentation-based production has attracted considerable research and development investment in recent years, driven by consumer preference for natural ingredients and the premium pricing that natural-labeled products can command. Several biotechnology companies have developed fermentation processes using engineered microorganisms to produce furaneol from renewable feedstocks. However, fermentation-derived furaneol production remains limited in scale compared to synthetic production, and costs remain significantly higher.
Bulk Furaneol Suppliers
The bulk furaneol supply features both multinational corporations and specialized regional suppliers. Top furaneol suppliers like Firmenich, Symrise, and Lluch Essence specialize in high-purity furaneol for premium applications. China has emerged as a dominant force in furaneol supply, offering competitive pricing and expanding production capacities. Chinese furaneol suppliers dominate the global furaneol supply, while Firmenich retains the trademark and premium positioning. North American distributors provide accessibility for domestic buyers, though most source from Chinese manufacturers.
Sinofi is a bulk furaneol supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality strawberry furanone and pineapple furanone. We sell different grades of furaneol at wholesale prices, serving end-users in flavour, fragrance, food, and specialty chemical industries.
Supply Chain of Furaneol
The furaneol supply chain demonstrates the complexity inherent in modern specialty chemical value chains serving the global food and beverage industry. The multi-tiered structure connecting raw material suppliers through chemical manufacturers and flavour houses to end users creates value through specialization and expertise at each level while also introducing coordination challenges and vulnerability points.
Supply Chain Structure and Key Participants
At the foundation of this supply chain lie the raw material suppliers who provide the basic chemical feedstocks necessary for furaneol synthesis. The second tier comprises specialized furaneol manufacturers who transform these raw materials into furaneol through either chemical synthesis or fermentation processes. The third tier consists of flavour and fragrance houses that purchase bulk furaneol and incorporate it into complex flavour formulations sold to food and beverage manufacturers. This tier includes major multinational corporations such as Givaudan, International Flavours and Fragrances, Symrise, and Takasago, along with numerous regional and specialized flavour companies. The fourth tier encompasses food and beverage manufacturers who purchase finished flavour formulations containing furaneol as one component among many. These end users span diverse categories, including beverage producers, confectionery manufacturers, bakery companies, dairy processors, and prepared food companies.
Wholesale and Buy Furaneol in Bulk
The wholesale procurement of bulk furaneol requires balancing multiple considerations, including cost efficiency, quality assurance, supply reliability, and regulatory compliance. Furaneol buyers should make systematic supplier evaluation, clear specification development, effective negotiation, and ongoing relationship management. They must think strategically about risk mitigation while pursuing cost optimization, recognizing that the lowest unit price does not always represent the best total value.
Understanding Bulk Purchasing Requirements
Before initiating supplier engagement, purchasing managers must establish clear internal requirements that will guide sourcing decisions and supplier evaluation. The first consideration involves determining actual consumption volumes and forecasting future needs with reasonable accuracy. Furaneol usage in most organizations follows patterns driven by flavour formulation schedules and customer demand for finished products. Historical consumption data provides the foundation for volume projections, though furaneol buyers should work closely with technical and commercial teams to understand anticipated changes in product mix, new formulation developments, or market expansion plans that could affect demand.
The required quality grade of furaneol represents another fundamental specification that must be clearly defined before approaching suppliers. Furaneol is available in various purity levels ranging from standard commercial grades at 97-98% purity through high-purity pharmaceutical grades exceeding 99%. The appropriate grade depends on end-use applications and regulatory requirements in target markets.
Supplier Identification and Evaluation
Identifying qualified furaneol suppliers represents the critical first step in establishing a reliable supply chain. The specialty nature of furaneol production means the potential supplier base remains relatively limited compared to commodity chemicals. Furaneol buyers should conduct systematic market research to identify qualified furaneol suppliers with appropriate quality systems and a willingness to serve customers at the anticipated order volumes. Industry directories, trade publications, and professional networks within the flavour and fragrance industry provide valuable resources for identifying potential suppliers. Attendance at industry trade shows such as those organized by the International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades or regional flavour industry associations offers opportunities to meet supplier representatives and gather information about capabilities and commercial terms. The geographic location of potential suppliers carries significant implications for lead times, shipping costs, and supply chain risk exposure. Asian manufacturers, particularly those based in China, typically offer the most competitive pricing due to lower production costs and substantial scale.
As a bulk furaneol manufacturer and supplier in China, we wholesale this ingredient to end users in the flavour, fragrance, food, and specialty chemical industries. We also supply strawberry furanone and pineapple furanone to small customers. Normally, they want to buy furaneol in small quantities. To serve them, we can sell furaneol at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Furaneol Prices (USD/Kg)
Food Grade Furaneol Prices (GC Content >=99.0%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 15 USD | Express |
| 500g | 77 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 110 USD/Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | 25% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
The furaneol pricing operates across distinct tiers that reflect sourcing complexity, certification requirements, and order volumes.
Current Price Levels and Market Ranges
Synthetic grade furaneol trades at US$50-110/kg in bulk quantities, whereas the natural furanone price is 3-4 times higher than that of synthetic furanone due to complex bioprocessing requirements. Food and beverage applications drive 68% of global demand, with clean-label trends accelerating interest in natural grades. Market participants face strategic choices between Chinese bulk sourcing for cost-sensitive applications and Western premium suppliers for clean-label formulations requiring certification and technical support.
Furthermore, the above furaneol price quotations do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost may exceed the sample value of strawberry furanone and pineapple furanone. However, the bulk wholesale prices of furaneol will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
Furaneol Specification
| Appearance: | White to light yellow powder. |
| Odor: | Strongly fruity, on dilution, strawberry and pineapple-like. |
| Purity (GC) | >=99% |
| Melting Point (°C) | 75.0 – 80.0 |
| Heavy Metal (as Pb, mg/Kg) | <=10 |
| As (mg/Kg) | <=3 |
Furaneol Uses
Furaneol serves as a versatile and valuable compound across multiple industries, with its primary applications concentrated in the food and beverage sector.
Flavour Applications
The overwhelming majority of commercial furaneol consumption occurs within the flavour and fragrance industry, where the compound serves multiple critical functions in creating authentic and appealing sensory profiles. In strawberry flavour systems, furaneol represents an indispensable component that contributes significantly to the characteristic aroma profile that consumers associate with fresh strawberries. While strawberry flavour requires a complex blend of many volatile compounds, including various esters, aldehydes, and alcohols, furaneol provides a distinctive sweet, caramel-like note with fruity undertones that adds depth and authenticity. Natural strawberry aroma contains furaneol at concentrations typically ranging from 5-50 ppm depending on variety and ripeness, and successful strawberry flavour recreations must incorporate this compound to achieve satisfactory sensory fidelity. Flavour formulators working on strawberry applications utilize furaneol at levels generally 1-10 ppm in finished products, adjusting the concentration based on desired intensity and the presence of other flavour components.
Tropical fruit flavour systems represent another major application area where furaneol delivers important sensory contributions. Pineapple flavour formulations particularly benefit from furaneol inclusion, as the compound occurs naturally in pineapple at significant concentrations and contributes to the characteristic sweet, slightly caramelized notes that define cooked or canned pineapple products.
Food and Beverage Product Applications
The translation of flavour formulations containing furaneol into finished food and beverage products spans an enormous range of applications across virtually every segment of the processed food industry. In the beverage sector, furaneol finds extensive use in fruit-flavoured soft drinks, particularly those featuring strawberry, raspberry, or mixed berry profiles. The compound helps these beverages achieve fruity authenticity while maintaining stability during processing and shelf storage.
Fragrance and Personal Care Applications
Although the flavour industry consumes the vast majority of commercial furaneol production, the compound finds select applications in fine fragrance and personal care products where its sweet, fruity character provides desirable sensory effects. Perfume compositions occasionally incorporate furaneol in fruity-floral or gourmand fragrance families, where it contributes a sweet, slightly caramelized fruit note that adds warmth and depth to the overall composition.
Furaneol Benefits
Furaneol offers a compelling array of benefits that have established it as a preferred ingredient in flavour formulation and food product development. The compound’s value extends beyond its sensory contributions to encompass technical, commercial, and regulatory advantages that influence product performance, manufacturing efficiency, and market positioning.
Sensory and Organoleptic Benefits
The primary benefit of furaneol lies in its exceptional ability to create authentic and appealing flavour profiles that resonate with consumer preferences and expectations. The compound delivers a distinctive sweet, fruity character with subtle caramel undertones that prove remarkably versatile across diverse applications. This sensory profile closely mimics the natural aroma compounds found in fresh strawberries, pineapples, and other fruits, allowing formulators to recreate the sensory experience of fruit consumption in processed products. The authenticity that furaneol provides represents significant value in markets where consumers increasingly scrutinize ingredient lists and seek products that deliver genuine fruit flavour rather than artificial-tasting alternatives.
Technical and Functional Advantages
Beyond its sensory contributions, furaneol offers substantial technical benefits that influence manufacturing operations, product stability, and quality consistency. The compound demonstrates good thermal stability under typical food processing conditions, surviving pasteurization, baking, and other heat treatments with acceptable retention of sensory activity. This stability allows furaneol to be incorporated early in manufacturing processes rather than requiring special handling or late-stage addition that complicates production scheduling.
Furaneol in E-Liquid and Vaping Products
Furaneol occupies a prominent position among the flavouring compounds employed in e-liquid and vaping product formulations. When subjected to the heating process that occurs during vaping, furaneol volatilizes and delivers its characteristic flavour profile to the user. Its natural occurrence, potent sensory properties, and functional characteristics have made it a widely utilized ingredient across the industry.
Application in E-Liquid Formulations
In the context of electronic cigarette products, furaneol serves multiple functional roles beyond simple flavouring. E-liquid manufacturers incorporate furaneol into their formulations to create fruit-flavoured products, particularly those designed to replicate strawberry, mixed berry, and tropical fruit profiles. The compound’s versatility allows it to function both as a primary flavour note and as a background enhancer that adds complexity to multi-component flavour systems.
The popularity of furaneol in vaping applications stems from several practical advantages. The compound demonstrates good solubility in the propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin base solutions that constitute the majority of e-liquid formulations. Additionally, furaneol exhibits relative stability under the storage conditions typical for commercial e-liquids, maintaining its sensory properties over reasonable shelf life periods.
Safety and Regulatory Considerations
Regulatory frameworks governing flavouring agents in vaping products vary substantially across different jurisdictions. Some regions have implemented restrictions on specific flavouring compounds or categories, while others maintain more permissive approaches. The European Union’s Tobacco Products Directive, for instance, prohibits certain characterizing flavours in tobacco and related products, though implementation details vary among member states. The United States has taken a product-specific authorization approach through the Food and Drug Administration’s premarket review process, requiring manufacturers to demonstrate that their products, including their flavouring components, are appropriate for public health.
An Oily Essence with Meat-Flavour
Include the following ingredients (by weight):
2-Mercapto-3-butanol 0.1%, 2-methyl-3-mercapto-tetrahydrofuran 0.15%, 2-methyl-3-mercapto-furan 0.18%, 3-mercapto-2-butanone 0.05%, 4-methyl-5-hydroxyethylthiazole 0.12%, cinnamon oil 0.5%, anise oil resin 0.1%, clove oil 0.3%, cinnamic aldehyde 0.02%, furanone 0.13%, 2-acetylpyrazine 0.05%, soybean oil 98.3%.
In conclusion, furaneol offers a compelling array of benefits that have established it as a preferred ingredient in flavour formulation and food product development. As a bulk furaneol manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of furaneol at wholesale prices to clients around the world.