Shanghai Mafco Biotech Co., Ltd. (上海麦福生物制品有限公司) is the China-based subsidiary of MAFCO Worldwide LLC, a globally recognized leader in the production of licorice-derived ingredients. Specializing in high-purity glycyrrhizin products and licorice extracts, the company serves clients across the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and tobacco industries. Located in Shanghai, this facility acts as a manufacturing and R&D hub for the Asia-Pacific region, supporting the global expansion of MAFCO’s flagship brand, Magnasweet.
Company Overview
MAFCO Worldwide LLC has a legacy dating back to 1850 in the licorice business. Shanghai Mafco Biotech Co., Ltd. extends this expertise into the Chinese market, leveraging local sourcing and production efficiencies to deliver high-quality licorice derivatives globally. The facility is fully owned by MAFCO and operates as part of the company's vertically integrated global supply chain.
Core Products
Shanghai Mafco produces and exports a wide array of licorice-based products with applications in sweetness enhancement, bitterness masking, and functional formulation:
- Ammonium Glycyrrhizinate (AG)
- Monoammonium Glycyrrhizinate (MAG)
- Monopotassium Glycyrrhizinate (MPG)
- Tripotassium Glycyrrhizinate (TPG)
- Glycyrrhizic Acid
- Licorice Extract Powder
- Licorice Paste
- Licorice Liquid Extract
These ingredients are widely used in formulations requiring natural sweeteners, flavor enhancers, or anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in pharmaceuticals and herbal supplements.
Brand and Signature Products
- Magnasweet
A proprietary line of flavor enhancers used in confectionery, beverages, nicotine replacement products, and pharmaceutical syrups. Known for its ability to suppress bitterness and enhance mouthfeel, Magnasweet is a key brand in MAFCO's portfolio.
Manufacturing and Compliance
Shanghai Mafco Biotech Co., Ltd. operates a GMP-compliant facility with advanced purification and standardization technologies:
- Annual Production Capacity: Thousands of metric tons of licorice extract derivatives
- Certifications:
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
- ISO 9001
- ISO 22000
- HALAL
- KOSHER
- Testing Capabilities:
- HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography)
- Microbiological testing
- Heavy metal and pesticide residue screening
Strict quality assurance protocols ensure that products meet USP, EP, JP, and CP pharmacopeia standards.
Export and Global Distribution
MAFCO, via its Shanghai operation, exports products to over 40 countries, with major markets including:
- United States
- Germany
- India
- Japan
- Brazil
According to international trade data sources, the Shanghai facility plays a critical role in the company’s global logistics and supply chain, facilitating direct exports to multinational food and pharma companies.
Applications and Client Industries
Shanghai Mafco’s licorice products are used in diverse industry verticals:
- Pharmaceuticals: Cough syrups, lozenges, oral suspensions
- Food & Beverage: Candies, carbonated beverages, dairy formulations
- Cosmetics: Skin-lightening creams, anti-inflammatory skin care
- Tobacco and Nicotine Replacement: Moistening and flavor-enhancing additives
The company works closely with formulation teams to tailor ingredient specifications for product development needs.
Research and Innovation
Backed by MAFCO Worldwide’s global R&D network, Shanghai Mafco contributes to ongoing innovation in:
- Glycyrrhizin isomerization
- Microencapsulation of licorice extracts
- New flavor modulator development
R&D is aligned with evolving consumer demand for clean-label, plant-based, and multi-functional ingredients.
Strategic Advantages
- Vertical Integration: Full control from licorice root sourcing to final product distribution
- Pharmaceutical-Grade Processing: Adherence to global pharmacopeia standards
- Global Brand Recognition: Trusted supplier to top-tier multinational manufacturers
- Regulatory Expertise: Extensive experience in global registration and compliance
Conclusion
Shanghai Mafco Biotech Co., Ltd. serves as a cornerstone of MAFCO Worldwide’s global operations, delivering pharmaceutical-grade licorice ingredients with consistency, purity, and innovation. Its strategic location in Shanghai, robust production infrastructure, and integration with MAFCO’s global brand, Magnasweet, position it as a trusted supplier to the world’s leading food, pharma, and wellness companies.