JPL Flavours, known for collaborations with brands like Krispy Crème and Fox’s Burtons Companies, has officially inaugurated its new 75,000 square feet headquarters in Bromborough, UK after an £11 million investment.
The state-of-the-art facility is equipped with automated manufacturing systems, 16 flavour labs, and an upcoming digital innovation suite. Additionally, a dedicated customer lab allows customer NPD teams to collaborate closely with JPL Flavours’ flavour experts and application team.
New Senior Team Appointments
This new location coincides with the appointment of a new managing director, Tony Havvas, and a director of digital innovation, Dr. Jim Mooney.
This leadership duo is set to assist CEO Jake Lavelle in scaling operations further, aiming to establish JPL Flavours as ‘the most technologically advanced flavour house’ in the UK.
Havvas, who joined the firm late last year, is responsible for overseeing the development of the new facility. With a turnover exceeding £10 million, he is committed to equipping the privately-owned company to meet the increasing demand for its custom flavours.
Cutting-Edge Digital Innovation Suite
In his new role, Mooney will spearhead the company’s tech-first strategy through the digital innovation suite, featuring augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. These tools will allow clients to experience how various environments, such as cafés or fast-food outlets, can influence taste perceptions.
Prior to joining JPL Flavours, Mooney led Enterprise Programmes at the University of Liverpool, collaborating with AI specialists, data scientists, IoT professionals, and software developers to drive technology adoption in businesses.
Additionally, a new director of operations, Patrick Duggan, has recently joined JPL Flavours. He will succeed Cliff Armstrong, who is retiring this year.
“From day one, we have differentiated ourselves as a unique flavour house. Our company, founded and led by a flavourist rather than a financier, reinvests roughly three times the industry average in capital equipment, R&D, and technology. The automated manufacturing systems in our new facility are virtually unprecedented in the UK flavour industry,” observed Lavelle.
“In less than a decade, we have emerged as the UK’s flavour supplier of choice for prestigious brands like Krispy Crème and Fox’s Burtons Companies. They select us over other flavour houses because we are bold creators, unbound by restrictions, and tailored for each client.
“As a privately-owned family business, we adhere to honest practices and, unlike many in this market, we are steadfastly committed to remaining independent. We are now better equipped than ever, with the technology, personnel, and mindset to rescue more manufacturers from mediocre taste and inadequate service.”
Havvas added: “Jake has built an exceptional business in JPL Flavours, filled with passionate, dedicated individuals who genuinely enjoy their work. Our unique culture fosters creativity and productivity. Combined with ongoing investments in technology, including AI, we will continue to challenge the status quo in the flavour industry, providing food and beverage developers a superior solution.”
To celebrate the opening of its new headquarters, JPL Flavours hosted a tour, which included a charity darts event that raised £22k for the local charity, Claire House Children’s Hospice.
