ADM to invest US$26M to expand Kentucky flavor facility amid rising demand for food reformulation
ADM expands Erlanger flavor facility to support clean label, sugar reduction and reformulation demand across food and beverage markets.
USA – ADM has announced plans to invest US$26 million to expand and upgrade its flagship US flavor facility in Erlanger, Kentucky, as it seeks to meet growing demand for food and beverage product reformulation driven by changing consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.
The Chicago-based agribusiness said the project includes a 3,600-square-foot expansion of an existing facility at the Erlanger campus, representing a 40% increase in capabilities to improve efficiencies in raw material handling.
The investment also covers digitalisation, automation and integrated process upgrades aimed at supporting innovation and operational performance.
ADM said the expansion will strengthen the capacity, delivery reliability, supply security and consistency of its naturally derived color and flavor solutions for customers in the US and international markets.
“Our dedication to scaling our innovative solutions for customers, both in the US and globally, coincides with shifting consumer preferences and changing regulatory guidelines, impacting all facets of food and beverage product development,” said Ian Pinner, president of the ADM Nutrition business.
“These enhanced capabilities at our Erlanger facility support our customers in navigating regulatory compliance and achieving consumer acceptance through reformulating for sensory and nutritional optimization.”
The latest investment builds on a US$15 million expansion completed at the Erlanger site in 2025, which added a 7,200-square-foot Customer Creation and Innovation Center. The center is designed to enable collaboration with customers on taste, flavor and color solutions across a wide range of food and beverage categories.
ADM said proprietary research shows strong consumer support for reformulation. According to the company, more than 80% of US consumers favour reformulation, with 63% preferring brands to reformulate existing products and 52% describing reformulation as “a must.”
The company also cited growing global demand for clean label products and reduced sugar. ADM’s research found that 70% of consumers worldwide prefer products with recognizable ingredients, while 58% look for shorter ingredient lists. In addition, 83% of consumers either avoid sugar or aim to reduce sugar intake.
ADM said its clean label strategy focuses on removing and replacing artificial ingredients, including petroleum-based dyes and certain sweeteners, with naturally derived alternatives. Its sugar reduction solutions centre on sweetener systems and flavor modulation technologies that lower sugar and calorie content while preserving mouthfeel and structural integrity.
Beyond clean label and sugar reduction, ADM identified added protein, reduced sodium and optimized fat as key reformulation pillars. The company said 66% of global consumers want to increase protein intake, 57% aim to reduce sodium, and 45% of US consumers seek products with lower saturated fat.
“Investing in our capabilities, solutions and technologies helps simplify reformulation for our customers,” Pinner said. “Backed by decades of expertise and our comprehensive ingredients library, we can tackle any combination of the five crucial reformulation drivers.”
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