Switzerland-based ingredients firm Givaudan has broken ground on a CHF50m ($53.8m) savory flavors manufacturing facility in Nantong, China.
The new facility is expected to significantly increase Givaudan's current savory production capacity and enable it to serve customers in China more efficiently.
Expected to be fully operational in 2015, the plant will employ over 100 people. It will produce Culinary flavor blends, snack seasonings, spray dries and process flavors to cater to the increasing demand from Chinese customers for innovative and creative flavor and taste solutions.
Givaudan stated that the new facility will meet the highest global quality standards including adherence to the strictest allergen management principles.
Givaudan chief executive officer Gilles Andrier 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," Andrier added.
Givaudan, founded in 1895, operates through a network of more than 40 subsidiaries in the emerging markets of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, North America, Latin America as well as Asia Pacific.