Califormulations LLC said that that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has started production of hand sanitizer at its Columbus, Ga., facility. The company will donate a portion of that supply to organizations in need. 

“As we stated when we founded Califormulations, we want to be able to support and give back to our community. With the shortage of hand sanitizer currently being experienced in COVID hot spots, we felt it was important for us to act quickly since we have the capability to produce and package hand sanitizer right at our site,” said Toby Polhamus, Califormulations’ president. “We are partnering with the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce to direct our product where it is most needed in the region, and our team is proud that we are able to contribute.”

Califormulations is an end-to-end food and beverage innovation company with over 100,000 square feet of research and development, manufacturing, filling and packaging capabilities. The company said converting a segment of its production area from beverages to hand sanitizer was accomplished quickly, with the Georgia state government aiding the effort by assisting in expediting the required licensing.

Symrise Flavors NA, a Branchburg, N.J.-based manufacturer of flavors and food ingredients, secured a supply of raw materials needed to produce hand sanitizer and is donating them to the Califormulations effort. Symrise NA is the North American affiliate of Symrise, which became an investor and strategic partner in Califormulations in 2019.

“The shortage of hand sanitizer at health care facilities across America is a very serious concern, especially right here in the New York metro area,” said Paul Graham, president of Symrise Flavors NA. “We are thankful that we are able to contribute to the relief efforts with this donation of raw materials.”