Iberchem inaugurates its new center in the Zengcheng district, in Guangzhou, thus consolidating its commitment to China, one of the most important and dynamic fragrance markets in the world. The event was attended by institutional and commercial representatives from China, Spain, and the United Kingdom, along with Danuta Gray, Chair of Croda; Sandra Breene, President of Croda Consumer Care; and José Balibrea, CEO of Iberchem and Vice President of Croda's Fragrances and Flavors division.
The new facility, with an area of 30,000 m², brings together expanded R&D laboratories, offices, a production center, and a warehouse in a single complex. The site, composed of five buildings and with capacity for more than 170 professionals, represents a significant qualitative leap compared to the company's previous facilities in the country and is designed to support its sustained growth both in China and across Asia. The center incorporates advanced research laboratories that will allow for the expansion of the work of perfumery and fragrance development teams, boosting strategic areas such as microencapsulation or neuroscience applied to perfume. In addition, it features a fully robotized production center that will improve process precision, development consistency, and delivery times.
José Balibrea, CEO of Iberchem and Vice President of Croda's Fragrances and Flavors division, highlighted: "Iberchem made its first investment in China in 2002 driven by confidence in the market's potential, in our team, and in the value of long-term relationships. More than two decades later, that commitment has been fully supported: China is today our main market by sales volume, and Asia constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of our F&F 2030 growth strategy. This new facility will allow us to strengthen support for our customers, accelerate innovation, and continue advancing our growth objectives in the region."
For his part, Tony Xu, General Manager of Iberchem in China, stated: "This inauguration represents a milestone for our organization in China and for all the people who have contributed to our growth over these years. The expansion of our creative, technical, and industrial capabilities will allow us to respond more quickly to market needs, collaborate more closely with our clients, and offer an increasingly agile service adapted to local particularities."
The new complex also houses Croda's Beauty Actives activity, especially in the field of botanical ingredients, fostering closer collaboration between complementary teams and technologies.
Sandra Breene, President of Croda Consumer Care, affirmed: "This center represents an excellent example of integration. The combination of Iberchem's expertise in fragrances and our capabilities in Beauty Actives opens new opportunities to develop more complete and multi-sensory solutions, as well as to deepen co-creation processes with our clients."
Iberchem began its activity in China in 2002, in the Huangpu district. The opening of this new center in Zengcheng marks a new stage in the company's trajectory in the country and strengthens its ability to meet the growing demand for advanced fragrance technologies, boost creative development, and expand its capabilities in fine perfumery for clients across China and the Asian market.