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Dave Dafoe ’84 utilizes his Flavorman facility in Louisville to assist during pandemic
By Josh Chapin, manager of editorial services
Dave Dafoe ’84 saw a way to help.
One of the country’s foremost authorities on flavor, the Miami graduate and Louisville business owner recently turned his expertise from taste to touch. His beverage development company, the Kentucky-based Flavorman, is now producing hand sanitizer in response to the worldwide COVID-19 health crisis.
“We wanted to do something special to contribute to our local community, which has been hit hard by the impact of this pandemic,” said Dafoe, who graduated from Miami with a degree in zoology. “Providing access to this critically needed product is one way we can help small businesses and families stay safe and healthy during this difficult time.”
Flavorman donated 360 gallons of the hand sanitizer to Miami.
One of the main ingredients in hand sanitizer is ethanol, which is also used in beverage development.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends cleaning hands regularly to limit the spread of germs. In the absence of handwashing, the CDC advises using hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. The Flavorman website notes that Flavorman’s hand sanitizer contains 80 percent alcohol and has been registered as required by the Food and Drug Administration.
The Flavorman-produced hand sanitizer will be available for nationwide shipping the week of May 25. Orders can be placed at flavorlogic.com.
“We are so proud of our alumni and the way they have pulled together during this worldwide pandemic,” said Tom Herbert, senior vice president of University Advancement. “Dave has always exemplified Love and Honor and continues to be a shining example of what Miamians are capable of in a time of need.”
Founded by Dafoe in 1992, Flavorman has been featured in Bloomberg Businessweek and The New York Times and on the Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods” and CNN, among others. Formerly known as Pro-Liquitech, Flavorman grew from a consultation firm to an international, full-service custom product development and ingredient supply company.
Miami honored Dafoe as the 2018 Philanthropist of the Year during the annual Advancement Awards, which recognizes alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the university. He also is an elected member of the Miami University Foundation Board of Directors.
Dafoe considers Miami his second family and credits the university with helping him develop the skills that set him down the path of becoming a successful business owner.
“I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn and grow at Miami, and it is always a pleasure when I’m given the chance to continue paying it forward,” he said. “I’m proud that our hand sanitizer will be used to help the students, faculty and staff of this great institution stay protected.”