Kalsec expands global reach in Singapore to facilitate innovation and sustainability

08 Dec 2023 --- Provider of natural ingredient solutions, Kalsec, has expanded its international presence with the inauguration of its new Finishing and Distribution Centre in Singapore. This move is set to enhance the company’s services to food and beverage brands and manufacturers worldwide, offering a range of natural taste and sensory, color, food protection, and hops solutions.

The new facility, located at the JTC Food Hub, positions itself in a shared space designed for companies in the F&B industry.

Kathleen Koh, VP & managing director of Kalsec Asia, highlights the center’s benefits to customers, including quicker response times and efficient order fulfillment. The facility particularly aims to meet the high demand for products in the Singapore region.

Kalsec’s portfolio includes natural ingredients for savory food and brewed beverage applications. Robert Wheeler, Kalsec’s CEO, highlights that the modernized facility will bring products and services closer to its customers. The Singapore center is also a part of Kalsec’s strategy to diversify production locations, enhancing its production and customer reach capabilities.

Singapore’s role in food innovation and sustainability
Singapore has been working on the country’s reputation as a leader in food tech and progressive regulation. The Trade and Industry Minister made an open statement last month, calling the country “the best place in the world for food innovation.” 

This sentiment is echoed in the country’s recent developments, including new facilities, offices, and collaborations in areas like precision fermentation and novel proteins, further cementing Singapore’s role as a regional hub.

This new facility continues Kalsec’s commitment to providing even broader global services for its customers.The Singapore Economic Development Board has applauded Kalsec’s initiative, noting that Kalsec’s new center leverages Singapore’s connectivity, fostering regional growth, diversifying production bases, and bolstering business resilience. 

Kalsec’s commitment to sustainability resonates with its customers’ values, aligning with Singapore’s efforts in environmental conservation. The country is the first Southeast Asian country to introduce a carbon tax, covering 80% of domestic emissions.

Addressing food waste
Southeast Asia is particularly vulnerable to food waste because it has many small-scale farm holdings that may lack the advanced technologies and infrastructure seen in larger industrial farms, making it more challenging to implement efficient food storage practices. 

Economies are taking different approaches to reduce food waste, and the industry is actively addressing this challenge, with expanding shelf life being one of the strategies.

Longer shelf life benefits consumers and food manufacturers, reducing food waste and lowering costs. 

Kalsec is actively involved in reformulating natural products to maintain flavor, color, and texture without compromising on shelf life. The company’s research and development team leverages its expertise in antioxidants to identify the best naturally occurring compounds. This approach allows for the shelf life extension for both the ingredient and the final product.

By Sichong Wang