IRISH FOOD, Ingredients Edition 2003, page 24

As the world’s leading manufacturer of caramel color, DD Williamson has proved that it reigns triumphant over its competitors; and in maintaining its high standards and continuing to innovate within the ingredients sector, the company can boast of further progress in the past year.

2003 marked an historical year for the number one producer of caramel color, as DD Williamson celebrated 25 years at its European base in Little Island, Co. Cork. Production at the facility began in 1978 and internal celebrations within the local operation were well deserved considering the scale success that has been experienced by this ingredients giant. Since its establishment in 1865, D.D. Williamson has manufactured the highest quality caramel colors in the industry. Today, The company produces over 60 caramel products, in both liquid and powder format, and serves its international clients at its seven plants, which are dispersed over five continents. The most consumed food color in the world, caramel adds a particular tone or hue to enhance the visual appeal of different food and beverages. This can range from the darkest of chocolate shades to the palest yellows and D.D. Williamson pride themselves on being able to deliver the exact color desired for each individual product.

Expansion

Coinciding with the celebrations surrounding the 25th anniversary, the state-of-the-art production facility in Cork has been the focus of serious expansion for the company. David Barrett, Sales Manager for D.D. Williamson in both Ireland and South Africa, explained that the expansion was an inevitable move due to the significant increase in demand over the past year, particularly in Ireland and South Africa: “This year was a very good year for the company; a year in which we saw ourselves entering into a new phase of development and supply, due to a considerable investment in Ireland as a source of concentrate to the beverage industry. In line with this investment, the need to expand our raw material storage capacity was identified, coupled with the reorganization of intake and dispatch in order to streamline our activities.”

NPD

Participating in FiE ‘03, D.D. Williamson will be introducing a number of new specialist prototype products at the show, one of which is a caramelized apple product developed from 100 per cent apple concentrate. “The product is targeted at companies specifically wanting to develop all-apple type products, rather than using cereal sourced caramels. This allows any food and beverage processors using the caramelized apple product to label it as 100 per cent apple,” remarked David. The company is developing similar products for the market such as caramelised onion and garlic concentrates. “While this is very much a specialist product, it is in response to identified customer demand for such product options,” David continues.

Future developments

With further expansion planned for 2004, streamlining the company’s production line and, simultaneously, its overall goals is at the forefront of future progress for DD Williamson. Reassessing the focus of the company in response to a changing market has resulted in a wide spectrum of new opportunities becoming available to the business. David noted that future development into class three, ammonia process type caramels (which include soya, gravy and beer) is a definite direction for the company: “The development of class three type caramels involves various production processes in which we are increasing our level of investment. We intended to expand our capacity in these class three caramels as we see it as a significant growth area for the company.” David also recognizes the burnt sugars category as an area of progress in production. The concentrate business in Ireland for the international beverage trade will nonetheless remain of chief importance to the company. With continuous improvement of processes, products and services a standard priority on the team agenda, DD Williamson has continued to progress and innovate, ensuring it remains at its coveted number one spot in the caramel manufacturing industry.