nclick="zoomin(this);">Plant-based foods have the potential to be produced using clean, chemical-free ingredients (All image credits: Symrise).

02 Oct 2023 --- Symrise has introduced its “Enhanced Naturals @SPark” facility in Singapore dedicated to naturalness innovation. This expansion is driven by the industry’s increasing emphasis on sustainable, natural, and plant-based alternatives.

Naturalness is a key factor for many consumers when making food choices. While plant-based products have gained popularity, there is a growing apprehension that some of these offerings may be ultra-processed. 

This concern arises when such products exhibit characteristics like elevated energy density, high sodium levels, excessive fat and free sugar content, and a deficiency in essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

Advancing technology for cleaner products
Nevertheless, companies believe plant-based foods have the potential to be produced using clean, chemical-free ingredients.

Kapil Sethia, president, food & beverage, Asia Pacific, emphasizes Symrise’s commitment to innovation in response to the consumers’ response. “With sustainable practices, we continue to strengthen our Taste, Nutrition & Health presence in the space of naturals that directly ties to the strategic objectives of Symrise as an augmented flavor house.”

Symrise invested in the Enhanced Naturals @SPark facility, which will focus on side-stream valorizations, technology developments and research into new raw materials. 

The laboratories specialize in thermal treatments, extraction and biotransformation. These facilities leverage Symrise’s understanding of consumer needs, enabling the development of sustainable, natural and plant-based innovations in culinary, dairy and beverage categories.

Symrise’s expansion in Singapore is aimed at enhancing the company’s competitive edge within the region.Sustainable agri-food tech in Southeast Asia
In Southeast Asia, Millennials and Generation Z are at the forefront of driving change. These generations are known for their global awareness, health consciousness and concern for climate change. Their preferences are contributing to the surge in demand for natural ingredients in food and beverage products.

Singapore, a small island nation with limited land for agriculture, is committed to becoming a secure and sustainable agri-food tech hub. With only 10% of its food supply produced locally, the government is mobilizing private and public players to enhance food security and sustainability. 

Singapore is a pioneer in alternative protein manufacturing and the first regulatory authority worldwide to allow the sale of cultured meat. In December 2020, cultured chicken meat was green-lighted for sale in Singapore.

Leading food industry players in Southeast Asia are paying close attention to sustainable agri-tech. Thailand’s CP Foods is one of the companies that has taken steps to expand its plant-based Meat Zero brand into the markets of Singapore and Hong Kong. Their expansion is part of an initiative aimed at promoting the consumption of alternative protein sources across Asia.

Symrise’s expansion in Singapore is aimed at enhancing the company’s competitive edge within the region. This expansion will empower the company to meet the demands and requirements of its Asia-Pacific customers.