This is the 242nd most frequent Hebrew word.
בניגוד
In contrast; contrary to.
The word 'בניגוד' here is used to introduce a contrast between common beliefs or statements ('rumors') and the actual fact being presented ('he did not leave').
בניגוד להשמועות, הוא לא עזב את החברה.
Contrary to the rumors, he did not leave the company.
In this sentence, 'בניגוד' highlights a departure from habit or norm ('his usual behavior').
בניגוד למנהגו, הוא איחר היום לעבודה.
Unlike his usual behavior, he was late to work today.
The role of 'בניגוד' here is to set up an opposition between a commonly held opinion ('popular belief') and the truth revealed in the statement ('the product is manufactured locally').