Givaudan, the world’s leading fragrance and flavor company, today officially opened its new world-class, savory flavors manufacturing facility in Nantong, China. Representing an investment of €48m, the site will more than double Givaudan’s existing production capacity in China, strengthening the company’s leadership position.
Commercial Head of APAC, Monila Kothari, told FoodIngredientsFirst: “The Nantong savory plant supports Givaudan’s global strategic initiative to grow our business in emerging markets such as China. These markets offer immense market potential due to ongoing urbanization and rise of disposable income. With its increasing level of consolidation and sophistication China’s flavors market has a predicted total market potential of €1 billion.”
The opening ceremony was attended by Mauricio Graber, President Flavours Division, Matthias Waehren, Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Qu Baoxian, Party Secretary of Nantong Economic & Technological Development Area (NETDA). The factory was officially opened by Givaudan’s Chief Executive Officer, Gilles Andrier.
The new plant will enable Givaudan to meet the growing needs of customers in China for innovative products and great taste experiences, more efficiently. The plant demonstrates Givaudan’s commitment to one of its most significant growth markets.
Commenting at the opening ceremony, Givaudan CEO, Gilles Andrier, said: “The Nantong facility represents our largest investment in China since 2006, supporting our strategic objective of increasing Givaudan’s footprint in developing markets and capturing growth opportunities in savoury, culinary and snacks segments.”
Givaudan’s customers in China and across the Asia Pacific region will benefit from faster access to its flavor and taste solutions. The new plant will strengthen the company’s existing capabilities in savory and culinary flavor blends, snack seasonings, spray dries and process flavors.
Commenting on how the new plant will support customer’s aims in China Vernon Chow, Head of Flavours, Greater China and Korea said: “The demand for savory flavors in China has risen sharply over recent years as a result of premiumization, with consumers demanding higher quality and higher value products. In the past five years the snacks sector has experienced continued double digit growth (averaged at 11% per annum) and positive growth is predicted to continue. Enhancing our production capabilities in China, coupled with our consumer understanding, will allow us to target our flavour development more closely to meet preferences in China.”
The site meets the highest global standards in flavor and food manufacturing, including adherence to the strictest allergen management principles and also has advanced environment, health and safety features.
Over 100 people will be employed on site, of which a large majority have been recruited locally.
