A German-based flavours and fragrances company has opened its first UK facility in Ketton.

Former England and Paralympics GB captain Jack Rutter performed the ribbon cutting ceremony at the official opening of Bell Flavors & Fragrances new culinary centre on Thursday (26 Sept).

The company is a leading supplier of flavours, fragrances, botanical extracts and ingredient specialities to the beverage and food industry.

Bell's new faciltity at The Grain Store, in High Street, will meet growing demand from UK customers and features a state-of-the-art kitchen, offices and meeting space.

Customers and partners joined Bell staff and EMEA management, including President Raymond Heinz and Vice President Oliver Saalmann, for the official opening.

Celebrity chef Richard Bainbridge, chef patron of Benedicts restaurant in Norwich and a 2015 winner in BBC 2's Great British Menu, laid on an exclusive food demonstration using Bell's botanical extracts and natural flavours in his culinary creations.

Oliver Saalmann, Vice President Flavours Division, said: "With a strong focus on the UK market, this new facility strengthens our regional presence - customers will benefit from a faster access to innovative culinary solutions and service.

"It will also allow us to accelerate market-oriented product developments together with our customers, explore and develop new concepts and product solutions, host tasting and innovation sessions and increase our expertise in the culinary sector.

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"It is important for us to be ahead of industry challenges and consumer insights, anticipate major trends at an early stage and deliver great taste experiences as well as functional solutions for our customers, enabling them to create successful and winning consumer products.

"The kitchen and tasting area sets the ideal spot to expand our culinary capabilities and to collaboratively develop new food solutions together with our customers and partners, based on current or future market dynamics, changing dietary needs and by helping to create healthier products that are in-line with consumer expectations.

"It is an inspiring, modern place for ideation and networking and gives our team a creative environment to innovate with flavours, botanical extracts and other food ingredients to create new experiences with a focus on authenticity and clean labelling."