I.T.S unveils plans for one of the UK’s largest flavour sites

Independent flavour innovator I.T.S has announced a massive expansion that will see the company build one of the largest natural flavour manufacturing sites in the United Kingdom.

The move marks a definitive shift for the Newbury-based firm as it transitions from a high-growth challenger to a heavyweight player in the global food and beverage supply chain.

The expansion comes as I.T.S reports a staggering 35% year-on-year growth, fuelled by a surge in demand for natural, innovative flavour profiles. To meet this trajectory, the company has purchased an 8.2-acre industrial estate near Hungerford, strategically located with direct access to the M4 motorway.

The initial £10 million+ investment will fund a full redevelopment of the existing factory and a comprehensive upgrade of the on-site offices. Once operational — estimated within the next 12 to 18 months — the site will provide:

• 20x production capacity: a massive increase across both liquid and powdered flavour lines.
• Specialised production: scalable manufacturing for extracts and compounds.
• Future-proofing: significant acreage reserved for further extensions as the business continues to scale.

Despite the industrial scale of the move, I.T.S remains committed to the independent, “brave” ethos established by founder Mike Bagshaw in 2009.

“This investment is a major step forward for I.T.S, which began at a kitchen table 16 years ago,” said Bagshaw. “My mantra has always been to be ‘brave’, scale big, have fun, and stay independent. Our goal is to become the world’s most-loved flavour house.”

Importantly, the company confirmed that its existing Newbury facilities, which currently house production and R&D, will remain fully operational. Both current sites are undergoing their own extensions to support the transition period.

The project is set to provide a significant boost to the local economy. I.T.S, which currently employs 40 people, expects to substantially increase its workforce as the Hungerford site comes online. The expansion will create new job opportunities across the Swindon, Marlborough, Hungerford, and Newbury corridor, spanning roles in manufacturing, product development, and administration.

The build-out of a domestic site of this scale is a significant development for the UK food industry. By domesticating a larger portion of natural flavour manufacturing, I.T.S is positioning itself as a resilient, localised partner for UK food and beverage brands looking to avoid the complexities of international supply chains.

The new facility is designed to be as “agile” as the company’s early days, aiming to bridge the gap between high-volume manufacturing and the rapid-response innovation that has become the company’s hallmark.