Center Ingredient Technology acquired by Takasago

Fermentation and other biotechnologies are the go-to solution as industry races to scale natural ingredient production in a way that will keep up with consumer demand and minimize any obvious, immediate environmental impact.

Both CIT and Takasago are in the fermentation business. “All CIT products are made by fermentation using strictly natural ingredients,”​ asserts the company site. “The products meet all regulations under the United States Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, and the Council Directive of the European Communities” ​Additionally, the production facility and its products are kosher.

Takasago uses fermentation and numerous other technologies to make the flavors, fragrances, aroma ingredients, and fine chemicals that the company sells globally.

 Patented naturals production​

The acquisition deal became official late last month and is a crucial part of Takasago’s strategy for growth.

“With the highly advanced manufacturing technologies and capabilities of CIT and Takasago's unique and patented fermentation technologies, we expect significant quality, cost and efficiency improvements,” ​Satoshi Masumura, president and CEO of Takasago, tells the press.

“The acquisition will also enable Takasago to address the ever increasing consumer demands for natural ingredients and to become a key player in the Natural Ingredients arena."​

New ingredient development ​

The Tokyo-based company is keen to "[develop] unique and superior technologies,” ​says Masumura.

And the acquisition of CIT will help meet that objective: “It is anticipated that CIT will also contribute to the future of the Takasago Group as it will be designated the development center for new Natural Ingredients,” ​according to an item on food ingredients first.

Ever larger reach​

Takasago is growing in more ways than one. Last year Takasago completed a project, which added production facilities to its existing Mexican sales office.  

The new plant means the company has a stronger position in the Latin American region: “A great deal of trust has been placed in this project since it was first proposed, not just because of growth in Mexico but through its outreach to Colombia, Peru and Central America, areas that have experienced constant, expanded growth over the last 30 years,”​ Masumura told the press at the time.