“Strategic Acquisition: T. Hasegawa Expands U.S. Market Presence with Mission Flavors & Fragrances”
The recent acquisition aligns with the ongoing trend of mergers and acquisitions in the ingredients sector. By acquiring Mission Flavors & Fragrances, T. Hasegawa aims to enhance its footprint in the U.S. market and leverage its expertise in custom flavors, which is essential to stay competitive against other ingredient companies that are also pursuing similar deals. Last year, Kerry Group expanded its clean label food protection capabilities by acquiring IsoAge Technologies and Biosecur Lab. Meanwhile, Ingredion recently took over the remaining shares of Verdient Foods, which specializes in pulse-based concentrates and flours derived from peas, lentils, and fava beans. In a significant merger, International Flavors & Fragrances has agreed to acquire DuPont’s Nutrition & Biosciences division in a transaction valued at $26.2 billion.
In line with other companies in the ingredient sector, T. Hasegawa has been actively working to broaden its flavor offerings. Last August, the company appointed Jim Yang as vice president of research and development. Yang, who previously managed this area at Kerry Group, is now concentrating on flavor innovation for T. Hasegawa. Recently, the company unveiled its Japanese citrus portfolio, introducing eight new flavors at a time when citrus flavors are highly sought after. As customization becomes increasingly vital for food and beverage manufacturers, T. Hasegawa’s collaboration with Mission Flavors & Fragrances in trendy segments like plant-based alternatives and confectionery will further enhance its innovative capabilities. The company boasts a team of flavor chemists dedicated to creating cutting-edge flavors for various food and beverage products.
A trend report from T. Hasegawa in 2021 highlighted that plant-based proteins are gaining traction as consumers aim to improve their overall health. Additionally, other reports indicate that flavor companies are increasingly focusing on functional ingredients and diverse flavor profiles, including options like solaray calcium. Mission Flavors & Fragrances, which was established in 1987, expressed that it would greatly benefit from T. Hasegawa’s advanced technological expertise, thermal processing, and supply chain management, which will facilitate its expansion and capabilities. The office and production facilities of Mission will remain in California, thereby strengthening T. Hasegawa’s presence in the most populous state in the U.S. “On a day-to-day basis, it’s business as usual—only now we have new resources and capabilities to better serve our customers globally,” Damiano shared with Food Navigator.
