The expansion, at the firm's Rockleigh, New Jersey facilities, will contribute to Takasago's continuing efforts to develop new concepts in tastes, said Takasago. "Our new and improved applications laboratories offer a working environment that is conducive to product development efforts," said Brian Buck, vice president and general manager, Takasago International (USA) Flavor Division. According to Buck, Takasago's Sensory Testing Group, that helps identify the taste trends leading to market success, supports these efforts. "Our confection and beverage customers are already experiencing true partnerships with us in bringing new flavor concepts to their product line extensions as well as to their new products," he added. The firm said the project to develop the advanced laboratory facilities has not caused any disruption to its services to customers. Takasago also claimed that from its Rockleigh site, customers will benefit from the firm's Consumer Insight & Marketing Research Team that collaborates with consumers in the development of tastes that consumers are looking for. The expansion precedes another upcoming inauguration for the relocation and renovation of Takasago's sensory facilities, marking the conclusion of the first phase of the multimillion dollar expansion project. Takasago International (USA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japanese firm Takasago International Corporation. The company, which manufactures flavors for the global food and beverage industries, has total annual sales of more than $1bn.
