Flavoring and fragrance manufacturer, Symrise has opened its new application laboratory in Lagos. The launch which took place on 4th September 2019 was attended by the company’s management team from Germany as well as customers and guests.

According to the company, the launch of the new lab is meant to deepen the company’s presence in West Africa and to service Nigeria’s consumer demands by sourcing production inputs locally.

Speaking on the launch, Rudy McLean, Managing Director, Symrise Nigeria, said “This will strengthen our presence and underpin our growth goals in the region. With these application labs, we can create products in the market for the market. We can deepen our understanding of the preferences and needs of local people and – where possible – use local raw materials. With this new investment, we are enhancing our local footprint and intensifying our long-term commitment to Nigeria and the region.”

Local Symrise experts will work on flavors for various application areas, in particular for beverages, sweet applications and savory foods, as well as fragrances and cosmetic ingredients in the labs. Symrise aims to meet the preferences of regional customers as closely as possible with this local expansion.

Also commenting on the company’s decision to expand its operations in the country, Thomas Dressler, President, EAME Fragrances and Oral care, said: “Nigeria has a very large economy and we service the everyday needs of people. Even though we have a large sales department here, the products for the Nigerian market were developed outside the country. To serve Nigerians better, we need to be close enough to the Nigerian people and products to understand them and give better-suited products to the Nigerian consumer.

Symrise has been present in Nigeria for more than 30 years, and in that time, has gained much experience needed to familiarize itself with the local markets. According to the company, its staff has also built a close and lasting relationship with customers. The new application labs will help Symrise incorporate customer preferences and market requirements in product development locally and with speed.