
German food ingredients manufacturer Symrise has upgraded its Pasaje facility in southern Ecuador, which specialises in producing banana and tropical dry ingredients.
A newly established workshop at the site is designed to bolster customer-driven innovations. The project also encompasses the rebuilding of factory sections damaged by the 2023 earthquake.
Situated in a key banana-growing area, the Pasaje site transforms bananas and other tropical fruits into flakes and powders.
Recent investments have introduced additional drum dryers in a newly designated drying area and incorporated anti-seismic structures.
Furthermore, modernised office areas have been introduced to improve working conditions.
Symrise Food & Beverage Naturals LATAM operational director Felipe Cuevas said: “These improvements raise the site to the highest food safety and anti-seismic standards.
“In addition, we have significantly expanded production capacity to meet rising customer demand. The reconstruction of damaged parts of the factory, following the earthquake, also contributes to an optimal working environment for our employees.
“This increased drying capacity reinforces Symrise’s ability to supply consistent, safe, and high-quality natural ingredients to food, beverage & baby food manufacturers worldwide.”
The latest investment underscores Symrise’s ongoing commitment to Ecuador and the production of tropical ingredients.
Symrise Food & Beverage Naturals fruit & vegetables global product line director Aurélie Pellé said: “The Pasaje site plays a strategic role in our Symrise global production network.
“With this upgrade, we are reinforcing our leadership position in the banana and tropical dry ingredients market. Our unique location and industrial set-up open doors for innovative solutions to serve confectionary, baby food, bakery, or savory markets.”
In July last year, Symrise inaugurated a Digital Immersion Co-Creation Centre in Singapore. The new centre aims to drive innovation in food and beverage development by integrating market, consumer, and sensory insights with the latest technology.