Symrise Plans To Double Menthol Production Capacity By Mid 2012

Symrise, a global supplier of fragrances, flavorings and raw materials for food industry, has said that it is strengthening its position in the synthetic menthol segment by significantly expanding production capacities. The company plans to double its existing capacity by the middle of 2012.

With this project which aims at a strategically important growth market, Symrise is intensifying its partnership with Lanxess, which supplies Symrise with intermediate products in this segment.

Symrise manufactures synthetic L-menthol at its plants in Holzminden and Bushy Park (USA). According to Symrise, menthol is an important ingredient in flavors for oral hygiene products, chewing gum and candy and one of the most important products of the company worldwide.

The capacity expansion is part of Symrise’s strategy to secure its own raw material base for important core products. The additional capacities are scheduled to be available in the middle of 2012.

Dr Heinz-Jurgen Bertram, chief executive officer of Symrise, said: “Symrise is already the global market leader in menthol production. The doubling of capacities sends a strong signal to our customers as we are further strengthening our competitiveness in this strategically important segment and we will further grow with menthols.

“Our customers will benefit from a secure supply of menthol and menthol-based flavors as well as an expanded product portfolio with new menthol properties.”

Dr Norbert Richter, senior vice president of the business unit Aroma Molecules, said: “Our capacity extension represents a consequent step, given the continued strong growth in demand for menthol.

“We move in lock-step with Lanxess, our partner of many years, which recently announced plans to also significantly expand production capacity for menthol intermediate products. This guarantees supply security along the entire value added chain.”