The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Ofi has announced the next phase of its customer-first strategy by introducing a new business platform called 'Ofi F&B Solutions'. The platform will be part of Ofi's ingredients and solutions reporting segment. The F&B Solutions platform is part of the company's existing category solutions capabilities and innovation infrastructure, aiming to enhance support of a diverse range of customer requirements. Customers focused on single ingredients – from sourcing to manufacturing – will be supported by Ofi's five product platforms in cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices. These platforms offer global origination and sourcing capabilities, a competitive sustainability offering and expertise in plant science and product innovation. The service will be further strengthened through a close collaboration with the F&B Solutions platform, providing category insight and application development capacity. This collaboration aims to enable customers focused on single ingredients to access more value-added ingredients and services. Ofi's group CEO, A Shekhar, said: “With ever-evolving consumer preferences, our global and regional customers across FMCG, retail and QSR channels are looking for trusted, reliable partners in identifying and capitalising upon new opportunities". He continued: “We have therefore combined our application and category capabilities into a dedicated platform to address customer requirements with even greater focus. In turn, the F&B Solutions teams will draw on the strengths of our five product platforms – their global and sustainable supply chain capabilities, complementary portfolio of ingredients and extensive ingredient expertise to provide comprehensive product solutions that delight consumers." “This step change in our approach will be led by Jain in his new role as CCO for Ofi. He brings strategic thinking, a customer-first mindset and deep experience in ingredients. Along with his leadership team, he will accelerate our capabilities and create value for customers.” Ofi's chief commercial officer, Sandeep Jain, added: “From beverages to confectionary, culinary to snacking, we are taking our application and R&D capabilities to the next level so that we can provide an end-to-end integrated customer experience. One that is built on deep consumer, category, and application understanding. This will open up more on-trend and inspired product ideation opportunities, which can be commercialised through the Ofi network or via our co-manufacturing eco-system, increasing speed to market. Most importantly, we can strengthen relationships with customers and help make their ambitions real.” This marks the most recent advancement in Ofi's goal of enhancing its category solution capabilities. In November 2023, a new Customer Solutions Center (CSC) was inaugurated in Amsterdam. Additionally, an expanded Chicago CSC is scheduled to open later this year, collaborating with Ofi's CSCs in Bangalore and Singapore, along with its innovation centres worldwide.