Givaudan, a multi-national manufacturer and seller of fragrances and flavors, has won three awards in the Research and Development, Investments, and Diversity categories in the 2024 Just Food Excellence Awards in recognition of its commitment to innovation, sustainable growth, and inclusive practices.
The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate the greatest achievements and innovations in the food industry. Powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence, the Awards recognize the people and companies that are driving change in the industry.
Givaudan won the Research and Development award for its innovative work in alternative proteins, driven by strategic collaborations and cutting-edge neuroscience. The company received the Investment award for its commitment to sustainable growth, highlighted by new production facilities and innovation labs that enhance regional development. Givaudan was recognized for Diversity due to its proactive initiatives to increase gender representation in senior leadership, fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
Research and development: Pioneering alternative proteins
Givaudan’s dedication to R&D is exemplified by its groundbreaking work in alternative proteins. Through a strategic partnership with the University of California Berkeley, Givaudan has released transformative research that identifies ten pathways to enhance the efficiency and affordability of plant-based products. This collaboration has not only addressed key industry challenges such as supply chain issues and resource consumption, but also leveraged neuroscience to better understand consumer preferences. By using neuroscience, Givaudan can delve deeper into the emotional and sensory experiences of consumers, allowing for the creation of products that truly resonate with their needs and desires.
The company’s commitment to innovation is further demonstrated by the expansion of its Protein Hub at the Zurich Innovation Centre, which focuses on dairy alternatives and offers cutting-edge technology and expertise to accelerate product development. This hub provides a collaborative environment where customers can work alongside Givaudan’s experts to co-create products that meet specific market demands. The hub’s capabilities include advanced digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, such as Givaudan’s ATOM technology, which enhances taste and aroma profiles, and VAS technology for real-time aroma testing with consumers.
Additionally, Givaudan’s “Start-Up Challenge” initiative engages external innovators to reduce costs and optimize processes using insights from their research. This initiative not only fosters innovation but also supports the growth of emerging companies in the alternative protein space, contributing to a more sustainable food future.
Investments: Driving sustainable growth and innovation
Givaudan’s strategic investments highlight its commitment to regional development and sustainable growth. The company’s recent investment in a new production facility in Indonesia underscores its dedication to enhancing production capabilities and fostering local economic development. Designed to be sustainable, the facility will produce a wide range of products while minimizing environmental impact through the integration of green technologies such as solar power and recycled water systems. It is expected to create about 60 jobs, contributing to the local economy and supporting community development initiatives.
Additionally, the opening of the Tropical Food Innovation Lab in Brazil showcases Givaudan’s focus on collaboration and innovation in food technology. This ecosystem, developed in partnership with leading industry players, aims to drive the development of sustainable food and beverages, leveraging Brazil’s rich biodiversity and technological expertise. The lab provides a platform for rapid prototyping and collaboration among researchers, companies, and start-ups, facilitating the creation of innovative food solutions that address global sustainability challenges.
Givaudan’s investment in its Digital Factory in Paris further emphasizes its commitment to digital transformation and customer co-creation. This facility serves as a hub for exploring digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, enabling Givaudan to develop groundbreaking products that align with shifting consumer demands.
Diversity: Championing gender representation in leadership
Givaudan’s commitment to diversity is evident in its partnership with the LEAD Network, which aims to increase gender representation at the senior leadership level. The company has set an ambitious target for 50% of its senior leaders to be women by 2030. This initiative is part of Givaudan’s broader diversity and inclusion strategy, which emphasizes the importance of a diverse workforce in driving innovation and understanding consumer needs.
By fostering an inclusive environment, Givaudan enhances its ability to serve a global market. The company’s efforts in this area are supported by various actions and measures, including inclusive hiring practices, unconscious bias training, and initiatives to ensure equal pay. Givaudan’s approach to diversity is not only about meeting targets but also about creating a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and leveraged to drive business success.
Givaudan’s diversity initiatives are also reflected in its global operations, where the company strives to reflect the diverse societies and cultures in which it operates. This commitment to inclusivity enables Givaudan to better understand and meet the needs of its diverse customer base, ultimately contributing to its long-term success.
Company Profile
Givaudan SA (Givaudan) manufactures and sells fragrances and flavors. The company offers a range of fragrances for fabric, personal care, hair and skin care, household care, and oral care products. Givaudan provides solutions for taste, sense, nutrition, and health. Its customers include personal, home and laundry care brands, and perfumes. Givaudan offers it solutions to beverages, savory-sweet goods, snacks, dairy and cheese, and nutraceuticals. It markets the products under the brands of Nutri Essentials, Nutri TasteSolutions, TasteTrek, Taste Essentials, and TasteEssentials. The company has business presence across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. Givaudan is headquartered in Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland.
Links
Website: http://www.givaudan.com
