Enhancing the aroma of food products

A method for applying an aroma-enhancing agent during the manufacture of a food product comprising:

• receiving a partially-manufactured food product ready for application of an aroma-enhancing agent, the food product comprising an active packaging component or active food item supporting structure;
• acquiring information relating to the received food product;
• activating a controlled-droplet-type dispensing head to propel droplets of the aroma-enhancing agent onto the active packaging component of the food product or active food item supporting structure, the droplets being propelled in controlled numbers and sizes from nozzles in the dispensing head;
• controlling the dispensing head so that the aroma-enhancing agent is applied to the food product in a selected pattern and amount, the activating and controlling are performed, at least in part, based on the acquired information;
• and
• providing the food product comprising the aroma-enhancing agent for further manufacturing.

An apparatus for applying an aroma-enhancing agent during the manufacture of a food product comprising:

• a transfer member for transferring food products comprising at least one food items to and from the apparatus, food products transferred to the apparatus being ready for application of the aroma-enhancing agent, and food products transferred from the apparatus further comprising the aroma-enhancing agent;
• a controlled-droplet-type dispensing head in fluid communication with a reservoir holding the aroma-enhancing agent for propelling droplets of the aroma-enhancing agent onto an active packaging component of the food product, the droplets being propelled in controlled numbers and sizes from nozzles in the dispensing head;
• and
• a controller for activating and controlling the dispensing head so that the aroma-enhancing agent is applied to the food product in a selected pattern and amount.