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History
- 1970 The Dawn of a Flavor PioneerVictor Koh’s journey as a Flavorist begins at the age of 17, where he is mentored by the legendary Dr. Jules Borel. This marks the start of a lifelong passion for flavors, where he pioneers the development of iconic flavors like Durian and Pandan. His work at the Singapore Food Industries (SFI) is instrumental in shaping the local culinary landscape, introducing new flavors that resonate with the local palate.
- 1980Ascending to New HeightsHis tenure at BBA (later integrated into IFF) is marked by legendary status, lauded by the CEO of BBA to be the best creative Flavorist of his time. This culminated in his role to lead the Flavor Division at Haarmann & Reimer where he introduced iconic tropical flavors like Guava and Gula Melaka. These flavors forge a bridge between East and West, establishing new culinary standards. Haarmann & Reimer eventually merges with Dragoco and is today known as Symrise AG.
- 1989Founding VK with VisionVictor Koh establishes VK Aromatics International and Creative Flavours Fragrances. The business is built on two principles: authenticity (REAL TASTE) and value (V.F.M Flavors), with a focus on range and depth of flavor.
- 1990Seizing the Southeast Asian PalateVK becomes synonymous with innovation, igniting the Wintermelon Flavor phenomenon in Taiwan in 1993. This success underpins expansion across Southeast Asia, with strategic moves into the Philippines and Malaysia to meet the growing demand for VK's groundbreaking Vanilla Flavors.
- 1996VK Sets Foot in the PhilippinesVK marked a milestone by establishing its presence in the Philippines, reinforcing its dedication to exploring and integrating the rich flavors of Southeast Asia. This strategic move enabled VK to work closely with local markets, tailoring flavors that resonate with the Filipino palate and cultural culinary heritage.
- 1998VK's Venture into MalaysiaExpanding further, VK opened manufacturing units in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, focusing on the innovative production of Vanilla Flavors. This strategic location not only facilitated access to prime resources but also underscored VK's commitment to excellence and innovation in the flavor industry within the Southeast Asian region.
- 1998VK AustraliaVK's foray into Australia marks a significant milestone, demonstrating the universal appeal of VK Flavors. This period is also defined by a commitment to natural flavor research, meeting the consumer's growing preference for authenticity.
- 2000The Vanilla RevolutionA decade of research culminates in the launch of a Vanilla revolutionary Flavor range. Vanilla Flavors predominantly relied on Vanillin as a raw material. Mr Victor Koh created a new range of Vanilla Flavors created from a different structure. These flavors, heralded for their innovation, quickly rise to prominence,reinforcing VK's reputation as a flavor innovator.
- 2010Embracing the PacificThe demand for VK flavors extended to the remote Pacific Islands, including Mauritius, illustrating the global demand for unique and quality-driven flavors.
- 2021A New Era of LeadershipAugustine Koh creates VKA Creative International to carry the business forward.
- 2022The Birth of VKA-AFFVKA brings five decades of flavor craft to Advanced Flavors & Fragrances, opening the VKA-AFF era. Alongside AFF's production, this brings an R&D Centre and an Automated Flavor Production facility at JTC Food Hub @ Senoko, and widens the product range.
- 2023Technological MilestonesWith investments in Spray Drying Technology, VKA-AFF introduces spray-dried VK Flavors. The format opens new applications and improves flavor stability.
Presenting the proud history of
Advanced Flavors & Fragrances
Victor Koh’s journey as a Flavorist begins at the age of 17, where he is mentored by the legendary Dr. Jules Borel. This marks the start of a lifelong passion for flavors, where he pioneers the development of iconic flavors like Durian and Pandan. His work at the Singapore Food Industries (SFI) is instrumental in shaping the local culinary landscape, introducing new flavors that resonate with the local palate.
His tenure at BBA (later integrated into IFF) is marked by legendary status, lauded by the CEO of BBA to be the best creative Flavorist of his time. This culminated in his role to lead the Flavor Division at Haarmann & Reimer where he introduced iconic tropical flavors like Guava and Gula Melaka. These flavors forge a bridge between East and West, establishing new culinary standards. Haarmann & Reimer eventually merges with Dragoco and is today known as Symrise AG.
Victor Koh establishes VK Aromatics International and Creative Flavours Fragrances. The business is built on two principles: authenticity (REAL TASTE) and value (V.F.M Flavors), with a focus on range and depth of flavor.
VK becomes synonymous with innovation, igniting the Wintermelon Flavor phenomenon in Taiwan in 1993. This success underpins expansion across Southeast Asia, with strategic moves into the Philippines and Malaysia to meet the growing demand for VK's groundbreaking Vanilla Flavors.
VK marked a milestone by establishing its presence in the Philippines, reinforcing its dedication to exploring and integrating the rich flavors of Southeast Asia. This strategic move enabled VK to work closely with local markets, tailoring flavors that resonate with the Filipino palate and cultural culinary heritage.
Expanding further, VK opened manufacturing units in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, focusing on the innovative production of Vanilla Flavors. This strategic location not only facilitated access to prime resources but also underscored VK's commitment to excellence and innovation in the flavor industry within the Southeast Asian region.
VK's foray into Australia marks a significant milestone, demonstrating the universal appeal of VK Flavors. This period is also defined by a commitment to natural flavor research, meeting the consumer's growing preference for authenticity.
A decade of research culminates in the launch of a Vanilla revolutionary Flavor range. Vanilla Flavors predominantly relied on Vanillin as a raw material. Mr Victor Koh created a new range of Vanilla Flavors created from a different structure. These flavors, heralded for their innovation, quickly rise to prominence,reinforcing VK's reputation as a flavor innovator.
The demand for VK flavors extended to the remote Pacific Islands, including Mauritius, illustrating the global demand for unique and quality-driven flavors.
Augustine Koh creates VKA Creative International to carry the business forward.
VKA brings five decades of flavor craft to Advanced Flavors & Fragrances, opening the VKA-AFF era. Alongside AFF's production, this brings an R&D Centre and an Automated Flavor Production facility at JTC Food Hub @ Senoko, and widens the product range.
With investments in Spray Drying Technology, VKA-AFF introduces spray-dried VK Flavors. The format opens new applications and improves flavor stability.