Kerry Opens Taste Facility in Southeast Asia

Kerry, a provider of taste and nutrition solutions, has opened a new state-of-the-art taste manufacturing facility in Karawang, West Java, Indonesia.

The new 50,000-square-meter facility expands Kerry’s taste offering in Southeast Asia (SEA) by delivering localized products to its fast-growing markets.

In April 2021, Kerry Group announced the project, stating a €30 million investment, its largest greenfield build investment in SEA. The company also has a second manufacturing site and third facility in Indonesia. 

The new facility will include a manufacturing site, research and development pilot plant, and a taste sampling hub.

Its range of process technologies will enable the creation of authentic taste experiences, inspired by popular local and traditional cuisines. The Karawang facility will support Kerry’s food and beverage customers in food categories such as beverage, snacks, and bakery.

As part of Kerry’s Beyond the Horizon sustainability strategy, the company has prioritised sustainability initiatives across the entire facility and all utility equipment has been designed to the latest energy efficiency standards. The strategy centers on achieving new standards in the consumption of energy and water with significantly lower CO₂ emissions and no waste to landfill. 

"The opening of our state-of-the-art facility will not only expand our reach into the flourishing Southeast Asian taste market but also revolutionise the way sustainable nutrition is embraced in the region,” said Edmond Scanlon, Kerry Group CEO. “By collaborating with leading food and beverage manufacturers, we will harness our global technologies to create products that resonate with Asian consumers' specific taste preferences."

 With an estimated value of close to €1bn and growing, according to Kerry, the Southeast Asian taste market offers an exceptional opportunity for companies prioritising development and innovation in the food and beverage industry.

“As the largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is in a unique position to support the regional market,” said John Cahalane, president & CEO, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa. “With our sustainability initiatives, we aim to minimise the environmental impact of our activities, while fostering positive social impact through local employment and community engagement."