Senior executives of Givaudan SA announce the official launch of the second phase of Givaudan Flavors (Nantong) on Nov 26. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

The second phase of Givaudan Flavors (Nantong) officially began operating in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, on Nov 26.

Givaudan SA, based in Switzerland, is the world's largest maker of flavors and fragrances. It invested $80 million into the establishment of a branch in Nantong in 2012.

The Nantong branch was Givaudan’s largest investment in China since 2006. The branch mainly produces flavors and fragrances for salty foods and beverages. It consists of two phases, the first of which started operating in April 2015 and produces 8,000 tons of flavors annually.

The second phase of construction started in June 2017 and will produce 12,000 tons of flavors and fragrances when it begins operating at full capacity.

The branch fully adheres to the high international standards of the food manufacturing industry, according to an employee. He said the company aims to turn Nantong into one of Givaudan's Asia-Pacific production centers.

Givaudan currently operates branches in more than 90 countries and regions and employs over 13,000 people. It has a 25 percent global market share within its industry, and its total sales revenue reached 5.5 billion Swiss francs ($5.51 billion) in 2018.