Our Legacy
Mr Victor Koh: the visionary who transformed the flavours of South East Asia
When Mr Victor Koh first entered the flavor industry, almost nobody could match his talents. He was lauded as one of the best creative flavourists of his time. He did not require analytical tools to create flavours. Just through sensory evaluation, he was able to re-create virtually any flavor.
With a combination of razor-sharp senses and 50 years’ work analysing thousands of aroma chemicals, Mr Koh created some of South East Asia’s most recognisable flavours – from new iterations on coffee and cocoa to the legendary Pandan and Winter Melon Boba Tea. And because he prioritised great taste first and business second, consumers loved the end products. His flavours defined entire categories.
Today, VKA continues his legacy. Still innovating with premium, authentic ingredients. So food & beverage producers know that, with heritage like ours, they’re in safe hands.
A Legacy of Flavour Excellence
1970s
Mr. Victor Koh recruited by Bush Boake Allen (BBA), becoming the first Flavorist from South-East Asia
1970s
First to successfully create commercial Pandan and Durian flavor profiles, establishing benchmarks that remain reference points decades later
1980s
Continued career development at Bush Boake Allen
1980s
Joined Haarman and Reimer as Principal Flavourist
1980s
Accumulated expertise and industry recognition at these major flavor houses
1991
Founded VK Aromatics International, the one of the region's first true homegrown flavorhouse where original flavors are 100% created in-house
1993-1995
Created the distinctive wintermelon flavor that catalyzed the wintermelon tea craze in Taiwan and beyond, with production reaching 30 tonnes annually
1996
Strategic expansion into Philippines established specialized technical capabilities in this growing market
Mid-1990s
Recognized for technical excellence by becoming a valued resource for multiple flavor houses across Asia, providing specialized base compounds
1999
Expanded vanilla production capacity to 1,000 tons annually in response to growing regional demand
2002
Enhanced Philippines operations with expanded technical capabilities and local production
2003-2005
Established manufacturing facilities and offices in Melbourne, Sydney, and Gold Coast
2003-2005
Developed comprehensive natural flavor science capabilities alongside an extensive sensory reference library including a 30,000-bottle wine collection
2006-2008
Advanced production capabilities with specialized blending systems
By mid-2000s
Created distribution networks spanning Asia, Europe, and North America
2010
Initiated research programs focused on flavor stability and retention
2018
Invested in natural extraction methods to enhance flavor authenticity and performance
2021
Mr. Victor Koh transitioned to the role of Emeritus Flavourist and advisor, focusing on mentoring the next generation of flavorists while his son Augustine Koh continued his technical legacy through R&D leadership
2022
The Koh family welcomed Mr. Barry Pang as CEO, bringing fresh vision and strategic investment to expand the company's capabilities
2022
Evolution to VKA Creative, reflecting the company's enhanced resources and commitment to innovation while honoring its founding heritage
2023
Introduced StableRelease™, formalizing Mr. Koh's signature stability techniques under a branded system for all VKA Flavorists.
2024
Established the Global Centre for Flavor Innovation in Singapore and Australian Natural Botanicals Division in Gold Coast
2025
Inaugurated the Victor Koh Laboratory of Flavor Science in Singapore
From pioneering Southeast Asia's first dedicated flavour company to setting global benchmarks in flavour innovation, VKA’s journey is a testament to craftsmanship, science and a relentless passion for taste. As we step into the future, our legacy continues to inspire generations worldwide.
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Our Mission
VKA’s mission is to empower food & beverage producers with the authentic, true-to-nature sensory experiences to reach millions of consumers worldwide.
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