Japanese firm Takasago last week announced its Americas subsidiary completed its acquisition of a Brazilian flavor and fragrance facility. Takasago Americas division finalized the purchase of the facility in Vinhedo, Brazil, near Sao Paulo, reinforcing its foothold in the country’-- and the region’s---F&F marketplace.

Takasago is to refurbish the location, with investments in state-of-the-art technology for its manufacturing capabilities.

Brian Buck, senior vice president and general manager of Takasago Americas, said Takasago has undertaken a comprehensive upgrade of the facilities, which includes the latest, most up-to-date equipment for research and development, manufacturing, applications and sensory resources.

According to Mr Buck, by summer of this year, Takasago will be in prime position to offer its flavor products to local and global food and beverage manufacturers in Brazil and in all of Latin America. The facility will have spray drying, powder blending and liquid compounding capabilities and will produce reaction flavors, botanical extractions and specialty products, said Buck.

Additionally, the facility will manufacture both flavor and fragrance products. Bill Bushman, vice president, Takasago operations, noted that the Vinhedo site will feature separate facilities for fragrance and flavor operations, as well as include executive and administrative offices, as the 525,000 square foot site has 97,000 square feet of floor space.

Takasago's flavors division currently maintains facilities in Diadema, Brazil, also near Sao Paulo. It is expected that employees situated at this location will be transferred to the Vinhedo site in August 2011, when the new facilities' renovations are scheduled for completion.

Takasago’s expanded and enhanced presence in Brazil represents an awareness of the advantages of investing in Brazil. As the fifth largest country in the world, Brazil is heavily invested in the food and beverage industry.

Buck reiterated that with market segments such as energy drinks demonstrating unprecedented growth, the acquisition is a perfect fit. Takasago’s wide range of flavor products, including proprietary lines of flavors that provide specific manufacturing and formulation solutions are ideal for this burgeoning market of innovative food and beverage selections, said Buck.

Takasago develops flavors and fragrances for some of the world’s most successful food, beverage, fine fragrance, house hold and personal care products. Takasago is a leading global company especially in the Asian region.

The global Takasago organization maintains offices, production sites and R&D centers in 24 countries. Through its network of global research, production, creativity and marketing, the firm develops products tailored to the needs of individual markets.

24th April 2011