INDIA – Global food ingredients company, Kerry Group has invested US$22.8 million (€20 million) in a new production facility in Tumkur, India to serve the food and beverage industry in the region.

The 40,585 square metre state-of-the-art facility will serve the company’s Taste and Nutrition customers including retail and foodservice in the South West Asian market.

The plant will create 150 new jobs in factory management and production with further expansion and an additional 150 jobs planned when running at full capacity in the future.

This is Kerry Group’s fourth investment in India, supporting its ambition for sustainable production in taste and nutrition.

“Our Tumkur facility will enable Kerry to offer a broader range of technologies, and more comprehensive scientific research and innovation and application expertise across Kerry’s Taste & Beverage Systems, to our customers with unrivalled speed,” said Scott Scharinger, Kerry’s VP and General Manager, SWA.

Sustainability initiatives

The site employs sustainable initiatives including energy efficient LED technology, maximum utilization of natural light and utilities that make use of solar power.

Kerry said the facility has the ability to deliver future energy needs from renewable sources and significant water efficiencies.

The site also operates as zero waste to landfill, with waste volumes segregated and sent for recycling and recovery of resources.

The facility was officially opened by Irish Ambassador to India, Brian McElduff with attendance by Chairman Philip Toomey, Kerry Group’s VP of Corporate Affairs Catherine Keogh and President & CEO APMEA, John Savage.

“The investment serves as a welcome vote of confidence in India, and further supports growing business relations and bilateral trade between the two countries,” said McElduff.

In the first quarter of the year 2019, Kerry reported 9.3% volume growth attributed to strong growth in meat, beverage and snacks businesses.

In March, the company invested US$65 million in capability expansions at its Taste Center of Excellence in Clark, New Jersey.