IFF opens manufacturing facility and product research lab in China

International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) is opening two new facilities in China as it seeks to grow its presence in Asia and formulate new products.

A flavours manufacturing unit was inaugurated yesterday in the Zhangjiagang Free Trade Zone and on 15 October a natural research product lab will open in the Nanjing Life Science Park.

The flavours plant is the IFF’s second in China and is designed to supplement the firm’s existing operations in Guangzhou. It spans 66,800 square meters, encompassing the main manufacturing building that is fitted with a strong odour control system, quality control labs and an ambient warehouse for goods. It will initially focus on powder flavour production with additional flavour technologies coming online in a phased approach.

Meanwhile, the naturals lab is the company’s first outside the US. IFF said the unit “is strategically located to leverage the botanical supply chain, biodiversity, and accumulated botanical and phytochemical knowledge prevalent throughout China’s expansive history”.

If it hoped the facility will expand the company’s capabilities in natural product research and address the accelerating consumer demand for naturals and clean label. An extension of the current natural product research team based in Union Beach, New Jersey, US, it is expected to boost IFF’s natural product pipeline.

IFF CEO Andreas Fibig said: “China is a critical component of our long-term strategy. The opening of these new sites will support our efforts to be a partner of choice and to grow in this exciting region. Our presence in Zhangjiagang allows us to better serve our Chinese customers and focus on driving differentiated products within the broader greater Asian market and beyond.”

He added: “Ever-mindful of the value of naturals for consumers around the world, the output of the new naturals lab is not limited by region. It is an opportunity to combine our discoveries with our innovative technologies to create winning solutions for our global customers.”

Matthias Haeni, CEO of IFF’s taste division, said: “IFF is focused on creating winning tastes that resonate both locally and globally. With this new world-class facility, we are well-positioned to meet the current and future needs of our customers – and do so in a responsible and sustainable manner.

“We are proud to build on this legacy with our growing presence in China and look forward to being a strong corporate neighbour in our new homes within the Zhangjiagang Free Trade Zone and the Nanjing Life Science Park.”