FG Botswana launches Ethyl Maltol flavour enhancer
30 Apr 2026
Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Mr Tiroaone Ntsima, today officially launched Ethyl Maltol , a new flavour enhancer produced by F&G Botswana in partnership with China’s Huabao and the Botswana Investment & Trade Centre.
Speaking during the launch today in Francistown, Minister Ntsima framed the launch as “more than a business achievement” but a “statement of intent” for Botswana’s economic future.
He said the project embodies the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), moving the country from raw material exports toward value-added manufacturing in the global flavour and fragrance value chain.
F&G Botswana Director Steven Zhu said Ethyl Maltol is “a small ingredient that performs a very big job.”
Used in tiny quantities, it rounds out sweetness, deepens caramel notes, and lifts flavour in products from bread and sausages to biscuits and soft drinks.
Zhu said the Huabao subsidiary will help African factories cut imports, extend shelf-life, and compete globally. He stressed F&G Botswana’s long-term commitment to the country, with every role at the Francistown plant filled locally and ongoing investment in training new flavour scientists and food technologists.
Based in Dumela Industrial Area, the company is already building exports to South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Angola, positioning Botswana as a regional flavour hub. Zhu added that F&G works closely with BITC, local regulators, and the Botswana Bureau of Standards to meet the highest food safety and quality benchmarks...ends
Source : BOPA
Author : Kelebogile Taolo
Location : Gaborone
Event : Fnd G launch
Date : 30 Apr 2026
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