Afriplex expands emulsions capacity
The company said that the expansion was completed in the first quarter of 2009 and will be producing at full capacity by the end of the year.
A spokesperson said that the production facility was expanded in response to an increased demand for emulsions and the expansion of Afriplex’s client base in Africa and South America.
He added that the Afriplex shareholders’ multi million rand investment into the latest technology to manufacture emulsions was an “investment of confidence in the growing of this market segement”.
The company, which produces a wide range of commercial emulsions, said that one particular area of growth is the demand for emulsions with “an exotic African character”.
In response, Afriplex has developed an African range of emulsions for beverages. The range includes emulsions manufactured from rooibos, coco-pine, passion fruit and mango.
Afriplex added that it can also develop client-specific emulsions. “The company prides itself in its ability to develop client specific emulsions, tailored the client’s requirements and needs,” said the spokesperson.
One example is the company's olive emulsion, which is used to produce Olive water, a product which it claims is gaining popularity in the health industry and as an aperitif with vodka.
Afriplex was established in 2001, primarily as a manufacturer of plant extracts, but has since expanded its activities into the manufacturing of intermediates for the beverages and pharmaceutical industries.
The company manufactures a range of essential oils, flavours, herbal teas and fruit bars from various indigenous African plant species in its HACCP approved facility. It also conducts research related to components, active ingredients and the nutritional value of plant species.
