Because the main ingredient of the caramel flavor is sugar, the temperature needs to be at least 150 ~170 °C to dissolve the sugar. The higher temperature, the higher flavor profile will come forth. The R&D department said that mix the base and seasoning at the same time at a high temperature.
Please let us know your manufacturing process of syrup coating and the machine your company uses. In addition, could you send us the sample of the seasoning product you use in pre-seasoning form? Last time, we received the final product, which was helpful, but I think it would make more sense to our R&D department if they see the actual seasoning product in a powder form and how they can improve the product. You told us that your product is made from corn syrup and natural flavor, but it came to my attention that it is very difficult to get caramel flavor with natural ingredients. It could be that the corn syrup was carrier and artificial flavor boosted the caramel flavor.