The Costa Rica-based fragrance company Callizo Aromas is opening a new facility in early 2025 in Palestine, Texas. The company produces scents and flavors for various industries with divisions in fragrances, flavors, pets, and zootechnics. Their other facilities are in Colombia, Peru, Paraguay, Venezuela and soon in Mexico.
By the time the facility reaches its equilibrium point, it will add 50 full-time jobs to the area.
“Our experience in establishing operations in Palestine has been remarkably smooth, especially compared to our previous expansions in Latin America,” says Santiago Callizo, DCEO. “The local Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has been instrumental in this process, providing attentive guidance and support throughout.”
The City of Palestine is excited to welcome Callizo Aromas and the job opportunities it provided.
Callizo Aromas has four main divisions, each of which will have production arms at the Palestine facility. Employees for Callizo Aromas create scents for the following markets:
• Fragrances: This division creates perfumes for companies in the personal care, clothing, and home care industries.
• Flavors: This division works with companies that produce snacks, confectioneries, dairy products, meat products, and beverages. Callizo says, “If it’s food, we probably have a flavor for it.”
• Zootechnical Products: This division focuses on animal nutrition, making feed more palatable while offering antifungal and antioxidant additives to ensure the quality and safety of the food.
• Pet Aromas: This division develops flavors that improve the palatability of dog and cat foods, so pets find their meals both nutritious and delicious.
Callizo Aromas produces fragrances for a variety of products that most consumers use daily. The company recognizes that each project and application is unique, which means each client requires tailored solutions. Instead of taking a one-scent-fits-all approach, Callizo Aromas works closely with its clients to develop the best possible flavors or fragrances.
Callizo had nothing but good things to say when asked about Palestine and the company’s decision to expand its operations here.
• Palestine’s geographic location offers excellent connectivity and logistical advantages. It is easy to travel to the Callizo Aromas plant in Mexico, allowing for rapid resource sharing.
• Palestine’s natural beauty, including its lush vegetation and picturesque landscapes, aligns with the company’s appreciation for nature-inspired products.
• The local community has made Callizo Aromas’ owners feel at home, reinforcing their decision to invest in this location.
“When companies look to move or expand their operations, they often highlight a few key regions that meet their geographic and transportation needs,” says Christophe Trahan, Economic Development Director at the Palestine Economic Development Corporation (PEDC). “However, the intangible assets — like the beautiful landscape and welcoming community — are what make a town like Palestine stand out above the rest.”
The Palestine-Callizo Aromas Partnership is just starting to bloom.
Callizo came up with a harmonious blend of aromas that captures the essence of the Palestine region if it were a fragrance:
• The top notes have a sweet floral aroma reminiscent of dogwood flowers, evoking the area’s natural beauty.
• The middle notes have rich woody tones that reflect the surrounding forests and timber heritage.
• The base notes have subtle accents of herbal moss, with a gentle touch of leather, nodding to the region’s historical industries.
Callizo says the unique fragrance would embody the natural charm, industrial legacy, and warm spirit of Palestine, Texas. As Callizo Aromas moves to the area, local residents and vendors are doing their best to make the company feel welcome and reflect the beautiful description Callizo provides.
Palestine Economic Development Corporation is a Type B Texas economic development corporation established under the Development Corporation Act of 1979. Their mission is to promote and facilitate responsible commercial and industrial business retention and growth that expands, diversifies, and strengthens the local tax base while enhancing local amenities and destination attractions throughout the city of Palestine. Their department, within the city of Palestine, oversees economic development, business recruitment, retention, and expansion. The PEDC Board, established by state law and appointed by the Mayor and City Council, provides governance and policy direction for economic development of Palestine, Texas. Visit palestinetexas.net or call (903) 731-8412 to learn more.