According to a statement, the plant, which has been opened under the aegis of its regional subsidiary, has been set up to entrench Takasago’s pole position as the only Asia-headquartered global player delivering on Asian-inspired products.
The plant has been set up at an investment of S$60m (US$47m) and is spread over a 22,000 square metre facility housing flavours and fragrances creation capabilities, food applications, sensory, R&D and manufacturing.
The company said that this new facility is now one of the biggest commercially operating plants in the flavours and fragrances industry in Asia, outside of Japan.
“The latest investment comes over the S$40m [US$31.7m] that the company had already invested since starting operations in Singapore in 1975,” the company said, adding that the Singapore facility is the largest supplier of flavours in the republic to the halal market.
According to global research expert IAL Consultants, the Asia-Pacific consumption of flavours and fragrances will grow at 6.8% annually to become the largest geographical market, with a value of US$6.65 billion by 2017.
“The commencement of the Singapore operation gives Takasago a big leap in the Asian marketplace. Given the sophisticated nature of Asian consumer tastes, Takasago International Singapore will have increased capabilities and competencies to respond to this marketplace,” said Ritaro Agaki, CEO and president of Takasago International.
Over the last 90 years, Takasago has emerged as one of the world’s largest manufacturers of synthetic menthol used in gum and confectionary products. It is also recognised as a specialist in natural peppermint flavours, and is a key manufacturer of citrus essential oils and aromas, among the growing list of its capabilities.
With Takasago International Singapore now fully operational, the company has the capacity to deliver up to 30,000 tonnes of flavours and fragrances a year, more than a threefold increase as a result in opening this new facility, the statement said.