Swiss flavour and fragrance company Givaudan in collaboration with Henri Fraise Fils has opened a new clove leaf oil processing plant in Tamatave, Madagascar.
The plant named as NATEMA (Natural Extracts Madagascar) is a joint venture which Givaudan expects will help it to establish and grow its capacity in the development and processing of natural ingredients in the region.
Givaudan CEO Gilles Andrier said: “Givaudan is proud to inaugurate the NATEMA plant in Madagascar as part of our commitment to establish direct sourcing models in countries of origin that offer the best ingredients to our customers and create value in our partner communities.”
NATEMA stands on an eight-hectare area and is designed to process hundreds of tonnes of clove leaf oil per year. The plant is said to employ around 50 people inititally.
The joint venture agreement between Givaudan and Henri Fraise Fils was signed two years back and it included design, construction and operation of the plant.
Henri Fraise Fils director Ralph Fraise said: “NATEMA, one of the largest clove leaf oil processing plants in the world, will contribute to the growing reputation of the country’s clove industry along with other high quality natural products from Madagascar’s rich biodiversity.”
NATEMA, which would follow sustainability practices, will transform clove leaf oil into derivatives used for Givaudan’s fragrance and flavours innovations. The sourcing of the oil will be done by Givaudan’s own network.
In July this year, Givaudan completed acquisition of ConAngra Foods’ Spicetec Flavors & Seasonings at $340m. Spicetec’s portfolio includes flavours, spices and savoury seasoning solutions.