Givaudan, the world’s leading fragrance and flavour company, today laid the foundation for its new world-class, manufacturing facility dedicated to savoury flavours, in Nantong, China.

Qiang Qiang, Vice Party Secretary and Director of Nantong Economic & Technological Development Area (NETDA) joined Givaudan’s CEO Gilles Andrier at the ground-breaking ceremony.

Located in the heart of the most economically developed area of China, the new facility will substantially increase Givaudan’s current savoury production capacity and enable it to serve customers in China more efficiently. Representing a total investment of RMB 335 million (CHF 50 million) – it is Givaudan’s largest investment in China since 2006.

The new site is expected to be fully operational in 2015 and will employ over 100 staff. Culinary flavour blends, snack seasonings, spray dries and process flavours will be produced at the new facility to meet rising demand from Chinese customers for innovative and creative flavour and taste solutions. The new facility will meet the highest global quality standards including adherence to the strictest allergen management principles.

Speaking at the ceremony, Gilles Andrier, CEO of Givaudan SA said: “The Nantong savoury plant supports Givaudan’s global strategic initiatives to grow our business in emerging markets such as China. These markets offer immense market potential due to ongoing urbanisation and rise of disposable income. The new Nantong facility demonstrates Givaudan's 25 year-long history and commitment to continue to meet the growing needs from our Chinese customers and their consumers for innovative products and great taste experiences..

“By investing in Nantong, we are building a world-class flavours facility with the industry-leading technologies and know-how, and we aim to be an employer of choice and a good corporate citizen in the thriving city of Nantong,” added Gilles.

Givaudan is the leading multinational flavour house in China’s competitive market. As a leader in strategic segments such as beverages, dairy, savoury, snack and food service, Givaudan fully captures market opportunities by leveraging global knowledge and technologies with our local presence, infrastructure, talent and consumer understanding.

With an increasing level of consolidation and sophistication, the China flavours market has a total market potential of RMB 6.7 billion (CHF 1 billion) and Compound Annual Growth Rate is expected to reach 6.6 percent by 2015. China remains one of the most significant emerging markets for Givaudan.