28 March 2008 - Ajinomoto is planning to open a new MSG facility in the Indian region of Tamil Nadu, where tapioca and sugarcane, used as raw materials for MSG production, are cultivated in great quantities.
The project will, however, go ahead if global consumption of MSG reaches 25,000 tons per annum. If that is the case, Ajinomoto could set up the plant in 2 years time, Mr T. Manoharan, Managing Director of Ajinomoto India Pvt Ltd, told the local press.
Manoharan added that, at the moment, approximately 12,000 tons of MSG is consumed per year with a growth rate of 15%.
Currently, Ajinomoto India imports MSG from its sister unit in Thailand and repacks the flavour enhancer at its site located near Chennai, added the report.
“We foresee a cost saving of around 10 per cent by manufacturing MSG in India,” said Manoharan.
He also commented: “Since Ajinomoto is a global player with marketing presence in more than 100 countries, it should be possible for the Indian unit to export to the neighbouring countries also”.