German fragrance and flavour manufacturer Symrise has announced it is setting up its own application labs in Lagos. The company already has a sales office in Nigeria. The facility will report into South Africa and work on flavours for soft drinks, confectionery, savoury food, fragrances and cosmetics.

The key for Symrise is that the new labs facility enables the company to “create products in the market for the market,” and deepen its “understanding of the preferences and needs of local people and – where possible – use local raw materials.” It is aimed that it will serve growth markets in West Africa, including Nigeria, of course.

Symrise will employ three new lab specialists for the facility in Nigeria. The company has operated in Nigeria for 30 years, and founded its first Nigerian subsidiary in 2014.