Independent flavour house I.T.S has appointed two industry experts to lead a new department focused on health and wellness.
The move comes as demand for innovative nutrition solutions continues to grow, with the addition of this division set to strengthen company’s capabilities in sports nutrition, functional foods and wellness.
Overseeing the division will be Mark Nicholson and Paschalina Papadogkona who will take on the roles of head of performance and senior performance for health and wellness, respectively.
Nicholson brings with him over 30 years of experience in the sports and performance nutrition sector. An accomplished commercial leader, he has built strategic partnerships with major global brands in the sector.
His extensive knowledge spans sports nutrition, vitamins, minerals and supplements, botanicals, nutraceuticals and functional foods, together with a deep understanding of emerging consumer trends.
Papadogkona boasts 15 years’ experience in new product development and innovation. With a BSc in Chemistry, a BSc in food science and technology, and an MSc in human nutrition from the University of Reading, she has led the successful development and launch of a range of innovative sports nutrition, wellness and functional food products across the UK and Europe.
The news follows the announcement of a major expansion, with I.T.S setting out plans to build one of the largest natural flavour manufacturing sites in the UK earlier this year.
Around £10+ million is set to be pumped into the development of an 8.2 acre site near Hungerford, giving it 20 times more production capacity across liquid and powdered flavours than its existing site in Newbury, as well as scalable production of extracts and compounds.
The size of the site means there is also plenty of scope for future extensions as the business grows into expanding sectors such as health and nutrition.
Mike Bagshaw, owner and founder of Flavour House I.T.S, said: “Health and wellness has become one of the fastest-growing parts of our business as brands continue to innovate in sports nutrition, functional foods and better-for-you products, with flavours being a key component.
“Our customers are looking for a flavour partner that combines technical expertise with creativity along with commercial understanding, and that’s exactly what Paschalina and Mark bring to the team.”
