On the 27th March 2014, Muntons, UK, a leading malted ingredients manufacturer, and Jebsen & Jessen, a leading distributor of nutrition and life science ingredients in South East Asia, signed a 50:50 joint venture agreement to manufacture speciality malted food ingredients in Thailand.
The new company JJ-Muntons (Thailand) Ltd is set to become Asia's preferred supplier of premium specialty malted ingredients to the food & beverage industries. The new venture is committed to a US$17.5 million plant to be built in Chonburi, Thailand by the end of 2015.
“Globally, interest in malted ingredients is growing within the food, beverage, confectionery and baking industries,” marketing manager Andy James told Food Ingredients First. “Malt is a natural source of complex sugars that provide nutrition, flavour, sweetness and are a good source of essential minerals. It is increasingly being used by food and drink manufacturers looking to use natural ingredients.”
The partnership brings together two companies with shared core values across the areas of customer focus, sustainability, food safety, ethical behaviour and environmental responsibility.
James explained that Jebsen & Jesson has a strong presence across the Asia Pacific region with a proven distribution infrastructure. “As a partner they are a strong complement offering good local knowledge with a proven history of supply into the food industry.”
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Marc Deschamps, Regional Managing Director of Jebsen & Jessen Chemicals, said: “We are teaming up for success and growth in Asia. Muntons’ technology and production know-how paired with Jebsen & Jessen’s distribution capability in South East Asia is a winning formula for this joint venture of equal partnership.”
Alan Ridealgh, Group Managing Director of Muntons, added: “There is a tremendous synergy between our two family owned independent businesses and this new venture utilises the combined strengths of both of our companies. Jebsen & Jessen is part of a Group with 50 years history in South East Asia, and we at Muntons are delighted to be able to cement this strong partnership with such a respected company.”
Since 1963 Jebsen & Jessen have worked in partnerships with global market leaders, facilitating and capitalising on opportunities throughout South East Asia.
Based in Suffolk in the UK, Muntons sells in excess of 180,000 tonnes of malt and 40,000 tonnes of malted ingredients annually to over 60 countries worldwide. Formed over 90 years ago they have grown to become a significant international player in the supply of products to the food and beverage industries. Muntons are passionate about environmental protection and continuously look at innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint through supply chain initiatives and have introduced working practices that bring social, economic and environmental benefits.
