Seoul-based Samyang Group is making a major move into the flavor and fragrance industry with the acquisition of Soda Aromatic, one of Japan’s top five flavor and fragrance companies, in a deal valued at approximately ¥41 billion ($285 million).
The transaction, to be completed through Samyang Corporation’s Japanese subsidiary, will see the company acquire 100% of Soda Aromatic from current shareholders Toray Industries and Mitsui & Co. The deal marks both Samyang Group’s first acquisition of a Japanese company and its first overseas operating base secured through M&A in the food sector.
Founded in 1915, Tokyo-based Soda Aromatic brings more than a century of expertise in flavors, fragrances and aroma chemicals, including lactones used across food, fine fragrance and personal care applications. The company is particularly recognized for its technical strengths in dairy, tea and coffee flavor development. It operates seven manufacturing sites across Japan, China, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore and serves more than 1,000 customers worldwide spanning food, beauty and household categories.
For Samyang, the acquisition represents a strategic shift beyond commodity food ingredients such as sugar, flour and starch sweeteners into higher-margin specialty businesses. The company plans to leverage Soda Aromatic’s formulation expertise and customer network to strengthen its position as a full-service food solutions provider capable of delivering taste, texture and aroma innovation.
The deal also gives Samyang an established platform for expansion across Asia while creating a pathway into North American and European markets. The company expects to generate synergies with its growing portfolio of specialty ingredients, including sugar-reduction and dietary fiber solutions.
“This acquisition will serve as an important milestone in accelerating the group’s future growth strategy focused on globalization and specialty businesses,” said Jisuk Chung, acting head of the food group at Samyang Corporation.
