EMGA secures US$ 50M debt finance for Kazakhstan’s MFO KMF

LONDON, April 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Emerging Markets Global Advisory LLP (EMGA) announces they have secured a US$50M facility senior debt facility from JICA, The Japan International Cooperation Agency.

KMF Chairman of the Board Shalkar Zhusupov: “This is the first time that KMF has entered into a partnership with JICA, whose goals and mission are close to our own. We are grateful to EMGA and JICA for their trust and support. The funds from JICA will be used to implement projects to support micro and small enterprises, including rural entrepreneurs, which will create new opportunities and contribute to their economic growth.”

EMGA’s Head of Investment Banking and Managing Director Sajeev Chakkalakal said, “We are delighted to have arranged this new landmark debt facility for our long-standing client KMF. It has been a real pleasure to work with them again, as they continue to solidify their position as the largest MFI in the country, and further strengthen their financial position in spite of turbulent times.”

EMGA’s Managing Director Jeremy Dobson added, “This new financing will help KMF deliver on their stated mission; to continue to help entrepreneurs throughout Kazakhstan, and to develop their business with a greater focus on female owned businesses and in rural areas.”

MFO KMF is one of the leaders in Central Asian microfinance sector. The company aims to establish long-term partnership relations with clients based on mutual trust, understanding and respect. MFO “KMF” disburses clients individual and group loans for the following types of activity: business, trade, crop farming and cattle-breeding, production and services and consumer lending.

JICA: The Japan International Cooperation Agency is a governmental agency that delivers the bulk of Official Development Assistance for the government of Japan. It is chartered with assisting economic and social growth in developing countries, and the promotion of international cooperation.

Emerging Markets Global Advisory Limited (EMGA), with offices in London and New York, helps financial institutions and corporates seeking new debt or equity capital. EMGA’s multi-national team combine the decades of experience necessary to complete transactions on behalf of their clients within the world’s emerging markets and frontier economies, including Kazakhstan which remains a key market. With a proven track record in capital formation and strategic advisory throughout diverse economic cycles, EMGA continues expanding its geographic reach and service offering, solidifying its place in the market as one of the industries pre-eminent emerging markets focused niche investment banks.

Contact details
info@emergingmarketsglobaladvisory.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000933917

Sensegen launches bio-based Exotic Flavors collection

Unveiling at IFT First 2023 in Chicago July 17 – 19

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., June 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sensegen, the pioneering biotechnology-based solution provider in taste, smell, and beauty, has launched its highly anticipated Exotic Flavors collection.

Sensegen has created a range of captivating flavors for food and beverages. The collection features six unique exotic true-to-fruit flavors: lychee, guava, papaya, yuzu, dragon fruit, and violet.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Exotic Flavors collection to the market, representing a significant milestone in our mission to redefine taste and consumer experiences,” said Natasha D’Souza, VP of Flavors and Consumer Experience at Sensegen.

“Our research has revealed that exotic flavors transcend vacation settings and have become a top preference for various occasions and drink preferences. By leveraging our bio-based solutions, we invite food and beverage companies to explore the immense potential of these flavors across different categories and create truly personalized experiences for their consumers,” said D’Souza.

According to Sensegen’s Sensory and Consumer Insights Center, 48% of consumers identified exotics as a top flavor. Consumers are open to more adventurous flavors in social settings or when they feel exploratory. In alcoholic beverages, consumers consider unique, exotic, and natural flavors as the top three desired characteristics.

Sensegen will unveil the Exotic Flavors collection at IFT First in Chicago, July 17-19, 2023, at its creative partner Blue California’s booth S1670. In anticipation of the collection, IFT attendees will be the first to taste food and beverage prototypes made with the flavors and complimentary ingredients from Sensegen’s sugar reduction solutions partner Sweegen.

What to Experience at IFT First 2023
IFT Attendees can expect several exciting prototypes to inspire their products with the Exotic Flavors.
A sneak preview is below.

  • Yuzu-flavored iced tea featuring Sensegen’s yuzu natural flavor with Blue California’s longevity vitamin ergothioneine and Sweegen’s Signature Stevia and taste modulation solutions.
  • Dark chocolate truffles flavored with Sensegen lychee and natural violet flavor. 
  • A better-for-you Guava energy drink made with Sensegen’s guava natural flavor and 50% reduced sugar with Sweegen’s Sweetensify Flavors for taste modulation. Guava has risen 22% YOY in beverages and 5% on restaurant menus.
  • Papaya-flavored refresher featuring Sensegen’s papaya natural flavor. Papaya has increased by 19% on restaurant menus.
  • Dragon fruit-flavored sparkling water flavored with Sensegen’s dragon fruit natural flavor.

This launch results from Sensegen’s relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to providing consumers with unique taste experiences. The Exotic Flavors collection is supported by the company’s proprietary quantitative research conducted nationally with over 1,500 consumers. This comprehensive study explored the beverage and food choices people make in various situations, the influence of mood on those decisions, and the underlying reasons behind them.

Sensegen’s insights from this research offer invaluable guidance to food and beverage companies seeking to inspire innovation with mood-centric flavors. By understanding that mood, food, and beverage choices can vary significantly among individuals, industry players can use this research to tap into the full potential of their offerings and deliver tailored experiences to their diverse consumer base.

In line with Sensegen’s commitment to sustainability and biotechnology, the Exotic Flavors collection is produced by bioconversion. This approach ensures the highest quality and authenticity while minimizing the environmental impact of flavor production.

About Sensegen
Sensegen™ is the science of good sense. We’ve got nature down to a science.

As a division of Blue California Ingredients, our innovative taste, smell, and beauty creative center is dedicated solely to delivering plant-based, natural, and sustainable solutions. Our diverse team of experts collaborates with advanced bio-techniques and collaborates as a team to provide unique consumer-validated ingredients.

At Sensegen™, we’ve pioneered a way of formulating nature without compromise or harm, providing one-of-a-kind solutions for Taste, Smell, and Beauty.

Attachments

Ana Capretz, Head of PR and Communications
Sensegen
+1.949.635.1991
[email protected]

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