Savencia tempts Chinese taste buds with innovative products
As 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic relations, family-owned French dairy group Savencia is committed to fostering economic and cultural ties between China and France, with the aim to become part of China’s rapid growth, particularly in the consumer goods sector.
Ranked as the world’s fifth-largest cheese manufacturer, the brand is an independent and notable player in the global dairy industry. In recent years, it has been offering innovative products to expand its market share in China.
Leveraging its 70 years of experience, it has been regarded as a specialist in premium food services and as a bakery pastry provider. The company’s success is rooted in its commitment to meeting consumer needs and supporting gastronomy professionals worldwide. In China, Savencia has trained more than 10,000 culinary experts and chefs over the past 10 years.
The group’s diverse portfolio includes brands such as Milkana Baijifu, Elle&Vire, Valrhona, Corman, Adamance and Lescure. These brands illustrate the group’s focus on innovation and quality, which have been crucial for China’s food service and retail sectors.
Under the mission statement “Leading the way to better food”, Savencia embraces the principles of authenticity, innovation and sustainability. The company’s collaboration with educational institutions and culinary experts has created a dynamic network, improving product quality and cultural exchanges between China and France.
Since early 1990s, Savencia has developed a strong presence in China with more than 700 employees across its two subsidiaries: Sinodis and BSI. The group also operates a facility in Tianjin, making it an innovator in local product manufacturing. Two decades ago, Savencia pioneered the cheese product industry in China with the introduction of the cheese lollipop, a new, delightful and healthy habit of snacking. It quickly became a hit, particularly among children. The group expertly responded to the Chinese market’s growing demand for protein-rich diets and established itself as a source of nutritious alternatives.
Innovations such as the lollipop underscore its creative approach and the introduction of cheese products, a novel concept in traditional Chinese cuisine, established the group as a provider of healthy alternatives.
The company’s influence goes beyond business. Savencia has introduced French dairy craftsmanship to China, building a community that appreciates the quality, cultural heritage and expertise behind its products. This fusion of French dairy tradition with Chinese tastes has led to a special product range that resonates with Chinese consumers.
Savencia’s participation in events like the China International Import Expo 2023 showcases its innovative capabilities and commitment to the Chinese market. Furthermore, the company’s recognition as a “Great Place to Work” and a “Top Employer” for the fifth consecutive year in China reflects its focus on employee welfare. This includes fair compensation, career development, safe working conditions and comprehensive benefits.
Amid the upcoming 60th anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic ties, Savencia said it is willing to stand out as a bridge between French gastronomic excellence and the evolving preferences of the Chinese palate.
Savencia’s journey is not just about expanding business but about blending tradition with innovation, thereby contributing significantly to the world of food innovation, one cheese lollipop at a time, the company said.