Ofi ingredients opens latest Singapore customer solutions centre
pic: Ofi
Olam food ingredients (ofi) has delivered a new Customer Solutions Centre (CSC) in Singapore, as it moves to strengthen its relationship with brands, retailers within the region, reports Neill Barston.
The new facility, was inaugurated by guest of honour, Ms. Low Yen Ling – Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), and showcased a number of potential innovations including snacks, ice cream, as well as clean label product formulations that will be possible with the site’s resources.
As the business noted, a team of culinary and pastry chefs, food scientists, quality, regulatory and category experts will help ofi’s customers develop new products and applications using ingredients from ofi’s portfolio of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices.
These ingredients are highly complementary and can be combined into recipes and formats that meet consumer trends for exciting new flavors, health benefits, convenience, and plant-based solutions. Food quality and safety are at the heart of the CSC with its six laboratories, along with pilot facilities which can test whether a new concept can be produced in a large-scale manufacturing environment.
The company’s latest site is anticipated to play a strong role within its international network of 15 innovation centres and its Customer Solution Centres in Chicago, Amsterdam and Bangalore. As it noted, these combined resources enable on-the-ground sourcing and buying teams in major and specialty growing regions. They have also helped further sustainability programs with partners that support farmers, reduce environmental impact and provide traceability.
Significantly, the APAC region was recently named the largest segment of the $6.4B USD global food and beverage industry.A t the inauguration, the ofi CSC team showcased concepts that can contribute to general wellbeing benefits and meet top consumer trends.
These included plant-based series such as the Tomyum snack bar, which uses honey as a sugar substitute, and the ofi nut butter can support recipes looking for protein and other nutritional benefits found in nuts.
There was also a focus on ‘amplified sensory experiences’ – such as Pandan Snow, inspired by a well-known Taiwanese snack known as snow crepe flakes. They are filled with crunchy ofi nuts such as pistachio, cashew and almond. In addition, the launch also examined clean label formulations – such as Chiz Leleh, a type of gelato that combines filled milk powder, instant coffee and cocoa powder.