The plant in Ballineen, Ireland will have expanded capacity for the production of Synergy's existing products such as Saporesse, along with new compound dairy and savoury ingredients, including yeast extract boosters and cheese ingredients.
The firm's Saporesse range comprises traditional brewer's yeast extracts and Synergy's lactic yeast extracts. Both are completely natural and pH stable, according to the company.
Brewer's yeast extract is a relatively well-known flavour enhancer, but lactic yeast extract has a neutral, pale colour and even milder taste profile, making it suitable for more delicate applications such as dairy products and cheese-based sauces.
Synergy is also developing new products made from only natural ingredients that are free from artificial additives and preservatives, and also low in salt.
"This multimillion-euro investment takes Synergy to another level, extending our product range and enabling us to offer customers solutions genuinely tailored to their changing needs," said Andrew O'Mahony, the company's marketing manager.
"The extended Ballineen facility allows us to capitalise on our unique combination of long-standing expertise in savoury ingredients and our capabilities in taste technologies."
The new savoury ingredients manufacturing facility incorporates a modern drying facility, enabling the production of powdered ingredients with enhanced flavour retention and greater ease of use, and equipment for advanced encapsulation. In addition, Synergy now has immediate access to bespoke raw materials from its parent company, Carbery, whose cheese plant is located alongside the new facility.
And through the installation of state-of-the-art technology at Ballineen, Synergy says that it will be able to offer a wide range of savoury ingredients.
For example, the portfolio manufactured at the new facility includes SaltMate salt reducer, along with valued-added cheese powders and yeast extract boosters with bespoke natural top notes.
"These comprehensive taste solutions give Synergy an enviable position in the international savoury ingredients market," said the company in a statement.
Synergy is Carbery's new savoury ingredients and flavours business. This division was established last year to enable the dairy ingredients giant to tap growing demand for added-value products, and provide a one-stop-shop for manufacturers.
Carbery began expanding in 1998 with the acquisition of two flavour houses, Synergy Flavours and US Flavours and Fragrances. The company also acquired UK savoury ingredients company Customblend.
In November 2005, these added-value ingredient-focused companies were brought under the Synergy brand, along with Carbery's brewer's and lactic yeast-based flavour production.
Synergy now has production, R&D and technical facilities in Europe and the USA.