Symrise partners with Klaus Böcker for white grapefruit supply

Symrise has partnered with Klaus Böcker, as it seeks to establish a stable supply of white grapefruit.

Klaus Böcker is a partner and investor in the Nkwaleni Processors factory, which is located in the KwaZulu-Natal province on the east coast of South Africa.

The factory can process up to 50,000 tons of citrus fruit per year from local farmers and is specialised in processing grapefruit, with distribution by Klaus Böcker.

Germany-based Symrise says that white grapefruit is an important raw material in the production of its flavours for sweets and drinks.

As part of the partnership between the two companies, Symrise has installed technological equipment into the Nkwaleni Processors production line, enabling upcycling of side streams that would otherwise go to waste.

“Thanks to the factory in South Africa, we gained access to citrus fruit of the highest quality and can guarantee stable supply of the taste to our customers and consumers,” says Stephan Raeker, global competence director citrus at Symrise.

“To secure this valuable raw material, we invest locally in technology and work towards including training as well. This shall help create a perspective for current farmers and the next generation.

“Also, we are extending our sustainable citrus footprint and add white grapefruit to our extensive citrus portfolio.”

The company says that it also intends to invest in long-term partnerships with local farmers, aimed at developing agricultural know-how and achieving high yields, while supporting local families.

A particular focus will be training young Zulus, whose communities received land during the country’s democratisation process, in good agricultural practices and business skills.