NIGERIA – Germany-based fragrances, care, flavorings, and nutrition manufacturer, Symrise AG has entered a strategic partnership with Freddy Hirsch Nigeria aimed at boosting food innovation and nutrition in West Africa.  

According to a statement from Symrise, the innovative partnership will harness the flavor technology platform of the two companies to deliver authentic regional and hyperlocal African flavors and ingredients.  

Under the new partnership, the companies will mainly focus on the development, launch, and commercialization of transformational food products. 

Some of the products that the two companies plan to work on include ingredients for general seasoning, bouillon meat, snacks, and instant noodles.  

Symrise’s foray into West Africa comes amid growing interest for unique flavors tailored for the African consumer.   

According to flavor and nutrition company, the Africa food flavor and enhancer market is a small but growing market that is forecasted to witness a CAGR of 5.12% during the forecast period (2020 – 2025).  

Increasing urbanization, rising incomes, a growing regional population, and evolving lifestyle changes are driving the African food flavor and enhancer ingredient market and increasing the consumption of processed foods and beverages. 

For Symrise, the focus is not on the small size that the African market plays on the global scene today but on its potential to control a greater share of the global flavor and fragrance market which is forecasted to reach US$36 billion in 2022. 

“Africa’s projected population of 3billion people by 2050 presents a large market for food and nutrition globally”, says Sofiane Berrahmoune, Sub Regional Director Flavor Africa Middle East.  

“Symrise AG is leading in meeting the needs of its customers and with this strategic partnership with West Africa’s leading flavorhouse – Freddy Hirsch Nigeria.  This strategic partnership with Freddy Hirsch Nigeria will give us deeper access to valuable insights about Africa’s food industry.” 

Freddy Hirsch Nigeria having already established itself as a reputable manufacturer of savory flavors, seasonings for the bouillon and noodle market in West Africa, renders itself a key ally to Symrise in its foray into Africa.  

The company has invested in a Research, Development, and Application laboratory and a manufacturing facility in West Africa, Nigeria which will be key in the new collaboration with the German food ingredient supplier. 

Speaking on the partnership, the Managing Director of Freddy Hirsch Nigeria, Kojo Brifo said “Our partnership with Symrise AG provides an acceleration of flavor development across West Africa and will increase the creativity of customized flavors, help our customers attain speed to market, and enhance their operational agility.” 

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