Kerry, a world-leading provider of taste and nutrition solutions, today officially opened a new state-of-the-art taste facility in Karawang, West Java, Indonesia. This new 50,000m² facility significantly expands Kerry’s taste offering in Southeast Asia (SEA) by delivering localised products to its fast-growing markets.

The facility is the company’s largest greenfield investment in SEA and will encompass a manufacturing site, a research and development pilot plant and a sampling hub. Its wide 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 all food categories, including beverages, snacks, and bakery, among the company’s fastest-growing end-use markets.

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.

Dignitaries from Indonesia and Ireland attended the inauguration ceremony, including Nurul Ichwan, Indonesia’s Deputy for Investment Promotion, Ministry of Investment; H.E. Padraig Francis, Ambassador of Ireland to Indonesia; Tom Moran, Kerry Group Board Chairman; Edmond Scanlon, Kerry Group CEO; along with trade association leaders and community officials.

Commenting on the new facility, Edmond Scanlon, Kerry Group CEO, said: “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. 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 rapidly, the Southeast Asian Taste market presents an exceptional opportunity for companies prioritising development and innovation in the food and beverage industry. The Indonesian Government’s ‘Making Indonesia 4.0’ initiative has emphasised the significance of the food and beverage sector in propelling the nation towards becoming one of the world’s top 10 economies by 2030.

John Cahalane, President & CEO, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, said: “As the largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is in a unique position to support the regional market. Our cutting-edge Karawang facility will spearhead creation of the next generation of sustainable food and nutrition in Asia, with a focus on taste, functionality, health, and wellness. 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. The opening of the Karawang facility is a significant step forward in realising our vision of creating a world of sustainable nutrition. Innovating with our customers, we will create delicious products with improved nutrition and functionality, while ensuring a better impact for the planet. Working together, we can usher in a new era of sustainable nutrition.”