Paris is the capital of France and the country's largest city. It is situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region. The city of Paris within its administrative limits has an estimated population of 2,167,994 (January 2006). The Paris unité urbaine extends well beyond the administrative city limits and has an estimated population of ten million in 2007. The Paris aire urbaine (or metropolitan area) has a population of nearly 12 million and is one of the most populated metropolitan areas in Europe. An important settlement for more than two millennia, Paris is today one of the world's leading business and cultural centres, and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities. The Paris Region, with US$731.3 billion, produced more than a quarter of the gross domestic product (GDP) of France in 2007. The Paris Region hosts 37 of the Fortune Global 500 companies in several business districts, notably La Défense, the largest purpose-built business district in Europe. Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year. There are numerous iconic landmarks among its many attractions, along with world-famous institutions and popular parks.

Drink Flavors

Consumer preferences have become increasingly complex. This is especially true in the beverage industry, where there is an ample offering of products, each with differing flavor profiles. Research and development teams work diligently to stay on top of consumer trends. Beverage industry experts have a library of flavors that address cultural preferences. A drink flavor that is very popular in Japan may not successfully penetrate the United States marketplace. Relying strongly on sensory research, the beverage industry employs teams of scientists, food specialists and taste testers who experiment with drink flavors to find those best suited to meet the needs of varying demographics. Taste, smell and texture are some of the more important attributes that testers analyze and rate. All ingredients in drink flavors and formulations must meet FDA guidelines and regulations. Beverage industry experts will be aware of these requirements and will make sure that products meet these guidelines. Qualified beverage experts will also be aware of international regulations and ensure products comply. When working with beverage flavors, modifiers enhance the taste of a beverage while other agents mask unpleasant tastes often associated with vitamins, herbs or other ingredients. By using the right mix of beverage flavors and natural ingredients, developers can balance taste profiles and health benefits. Developers use natural and artificial flavorings together to achieve a desirable flavor profile for a drink. Natural ingredients are those whose flavoring originates from a natural source such as a vegetable, fruit or raw animal materials. A laboratory synthetically produces artificial flavorings. Shelf life affects the formulation of beverage flavors. A shelf-stable beverage may not require refrigeration but its ingredients can affect its shelf life. Some beverage flavors require refrigeration to preserve quality and flavor. Drink flavors can be complex, combining many ingredients to produce a product that delivers a favorable sensory experience.