Takasago expands natural ingredients portfolio with Centre Ingredient Technology acquisition

Japanese flavours company Takasago International has acquired US-based Centre Ingredient Technology (CIT) to expand the former’s natural materials portfolio.

The acquisition is in line with the company’s core strategy of medium term growth plan, GP3.

CIT employs distinctive biotechnology processes to produce natural fragrance and flavour ingredients. It supplies speciality ingredients for food, beverage and cosmetics industries.

All its products are made using a fermentation process using only natural ingredients, CIT claims on its website.

Takasago is building on its manufacturing technologies, patented fermentation technologies and CIT’s capabilities to achieve quality, cost and efficiency improvements to meet increasing demands for natural ingredients that would drive the company into becoming an important player in the natural ingredients market.

Takasago president Satoshi Masumura said: "I am extremely pleased to welcome CIT into the Takasago Group.

"CIT will become a very important partner that will enable Takasago to be more competitive in the natural ingredients field."

Takasago is planning to convert CIT as a new natural ingredients development centre in the near future.

Financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

Founded in 1920, Takasago develops flavours and fragrances for food, beverage, fine fragrance, household and personal care products. It has offices, production sites and R&D centres in 28 countries.

Takasago claims to have researched fields of pharmaceutical intermediaries, functional materials and other fine chemicals, which use technology called asymmetric synthesis that is applicable in its aroma ingredients development work.