EGYPT – German flavours and fragrances manufacturer Symrise has signed a contract for a 30,000m² land plot in Giza, Egypt to strengthen operations across Africa and the Middle East.
The new site, located within the Industrial Development Group (IDG)-developed industrial complex, is expected to enhance the company’s production and innovation capabilities.
Symrise plans to move into the e2 site on the 6th of October Industrial City in 2025. The relocation will consolidate the company’s existing facilities in Egypt into a single operational hub, improving efficiency in business operations and cross-functional communication.
The new site will also serve as a strategic base to drive exports, leveraging Egypt’s role as a regional production and distribution hub.
Ihab Rehab, Managing Director for North Africa, highlighted that Egypt remains a crucial market for the company.
“This consolidation will support the consistent double-digit growth in Egypt while also strengthening Symrise’s position in the broader AMETCA cluster. Expanding production capacity and capabilities will be critical to ensuring a reliable service to customers in all our markets.”
Symrise currently operates two technologically diversified production sites in Egypt, alongside an innovation centre, a quality control laboratory, and sales and marketing offices.
These facilities support its business in more than 22 markets across its regional cluster. The upcoming move aims to unify these operations, streamlining processes and fostering greater collaboration between teams.
Enhancing export capabilities
Egypt’s strategic location and growing industrial footprint have made it a key hub for global and regional food and beverage companies.
Symrise aims to capitalise on this by expanding its export capabilities. Lilian Regnier, President of Food & Beverage EAME, noted that increasing exports from Egypt aligns with the company’s wider supply chain strategy.
“Exports help build a resilient and adaptable business model, supporting our presence in over 22 markets, primarily in Africa and the Middle East,” Regnier said.
“This expansion is backed by a localised and diverse portfolio of taste, nutrition, and health ingredients, well-represented production technologies, and a skilled workforce ensuring reliable service to customers.”
The new facility will be integrated into Symrise’s global raw material sourcing network, securing a stable supply of essential ingredients both into and out of Egypt.
The company expects the move to support its mid-term objective of doubling production volumes while achieving high double-digit growth in sales over the next few years.
Symrise’s African expansion
Beyond Egypt, Symrise has an established presence in South and West Africa. The company has operated in South Africa for more than 60 years and entered the Nigerian market over 30 years ago.
In 2014, it established a Nigerian subsidiary with a sales office, followed by the launch of an application lab in Lagos in 2019. In October 2021, Symrise collaborated with South African company Freddy Hirsch to develop new flavours tailored for the Nigerian market.
The company continues to expand its footprint across the continent by investing in local expertise, enhancing production capabilities, and strengthening its supply chain networks.
Accelerated implementation timeline
Relocating to the e2 industrial park in Giza is expected to expedite the timeline for the start of operations at the new facility. The transition is being supported by close collaboration with IDG and government authorities to ensure a seamless licensing process.
“We are bringing in industry experts, enhancing customer and consumer insights, expanding production technologies, and localising operations,” Sofiane Berrahmoune, Vice President for Market Cluster AMETCA, stated.
“Additionally, we are building an agile supply chain network while positioning Symrise as a leading employer within the food and beverage sector in Egypt and beyond.”
