NEW YORK — International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (I.F.F.) is opening two new facilities in China in October, including a flavorings manufacturing facility in the Zhangjiagang Free Trade Zone and a natural product research lab in Nanjing Life Science Park.

“China is a critical component of our long-term strategy,” said Andreas Fibig, chairman and chief executive officer of I.F.F. “The opening of these new sites will support our efforts to be a partner of choice and to grow in this exciting region. Our presence in Zhangjiagang allows us to better serve our Chinese customers and focus on driving differentiated products within the broader Greater Asian market and beyond. Ever-mindful of the value of naturals for consumers around the world, the output of the new naturals lab is not limited by region. It is an opportunity to combine our discoveries with our innovative technologies to create winning solutions for our global customers.”

I.F.F. said the 719,000-square-foot flavors plant in Zhangjiagang is the company’s second in China. The facility opened on Oct. 9 and will supplement the company’s existing flavors and manufacturing operations in Guangzhou. I.F.F. said the facility’s initial focus will be on powder flavor production with additional flavor technologies coming on line in a phased approach.

“I.F.F. is focused on creating winning tastes that resonate both locally and globally,” said Matthias Haeni, divisional c.e.o., Taste. “With this new world-class facility, we are well-positioned to meet the current and future needs of our customers — and do so in a responsible and sustainable manner. We are proud to build on this legacy with our growing presence in China and look forward to being a strong corporate neighbor in our new homes within the Zhangjiagang Free Trade Zone and the Nanjing Life Science Park.”

The natural product research laboratory, which is set to open on Oct. 15, will be I.F.F.’s first outside the United States. The 5,600-square-foot lab is equipped with systems for the research and development of flavors from natural sources, I.F.F. said. I.F.F. said the facility is expected to expand the company’s capabilities in natural product research and address consumer demand for naturals and clean label.

“Speaking for the team, we cannot wait to see what innovations we will discover to help support the growing demand for naturals,” said Gregory Yep, Ph.D., executive vice-president and chief global scientific and sustainability officer. “I.F.F. is committed to sustainability in all we do. We are excited to partner with our regional and global customers and help bring their products to consumers in an environmentally responsible manner. These two sites are positioned to push the boundaries of what’s possible for I.F.F. in Greater China and around the world.”