Takasago Jumpstarts Production, R&D Operations in India

3 Apr 2013 --- Takasago International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., the regional subsidiary of publicly listed Takasago International Corp, today announced that it has set up a manufacturing and research facility at a newly inaugurated site in the Chennai suburb of Poonamallee, Tamil Nadu, India.

The move to launch its manufacturing operations in India reflects Takasago’s commitment to reduce the costs and speed up the delivery of flavours and fragrances to meet the demands of its customers.

The 15,000 sq ft Poonamallee facility houses laboratories to create and blend flavours and fragrances, store raw materials and are able to ship goods to customers in a shorter lead time. It is also able to undertake and deliver liquid flavour and fragrance compounds, with the total capacity of 1,500 metric tonnes.

On the product development side, Takasago has appointed a dedicated flavourist and application support expert to embark, undertake and deliver flavours for beverage, confectionery and oral care segments.

The Poonamallee unit will act as Takasago’s central base, overseeing the development and completion of the upcoming permanent manufacturing facility to be located off the Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai. Construction at the Old Mahabalipuram Road is expected to commence by Q3 2013 and is slated to be fully operational in Q1 2015.

Demand for flavours and fragrances is on the rise in India with analysts expecting it to be one of the fastest growing market in Asia. Major research group IAL Consultants forecasts that the India market for flavours will reach US$421 million in 2015, up from US$256 million in 2010. The market for fragrances is expected to reach US$452 million in 2015, up from US$336 million in 2010.
 
Commenting on the latest move in India, Takasago International (Singapore), Managing Director, Mr Alfredo Asuncion Jr., said: “Takasago’s move to expedite production and delivery in India is a decisive and direct response to meet our customers’ growing needs and demands and a clear indication of our commitment to the Indian market.”
 
Takasago International India, Managing Director, Mr Rajendra P. Ghogale said: “The market for flavours and fragrances is dynamic and consumers are becoming demanding and sophisticated. Takasago is able to use its hallmarks of innovation and creativity to make a difference in this market.”
“Takasago stands out in India because it provides in-depth consumer insights and market research to better understand the wants and needs of consumers and identify new/emerging category flavour trends,” he added.

Takasago has emerged as one of the pioneering Japanese investors in Tamil Nadu, which is now the fourth largest contributor to India’s gross domestic product through its industrial development amid growing interest from global manufacturers.