USA/EUROPE – USA-based flavour specialist Fona (formerly Flavours of North America) marked its expansion into Europe with the opening of its UK office in April and the creation of Fona UK Ltd.

The office is part of the Leatherhead Enterprise Centre and is in the same complex as food research and information group Leatherhead Food International, with which it has worked closely in the run up to the launch.

“Being close to technology is very important for our business,” explained Fona president Joe Slawek. “Fona fits with the resource here.” Until recently, 22% of ingredients produced by Fona were exported from the USA to 19 diifferent countries. Now, production of some liquid ingredients will take place through a joint venture in the UK.

Fona produces ingredients for the dairy, beverage, nutraceutical, bakery, confectionery and prepared foods sectors.