Natural ingredients manufacturer Döhler Group has acquired a majority stake in Italian firm Nutrafood as it aims to boost its plant-based food and beverage offer.
Döhler said it was drawn to Nutrafood’s “extensive expertise and ability to provide plant-based ingredients for food and beverages”. It expects the deal to create “unique synergy effects”.
The company added that customers will be able to benefit from a more complete product range and improved efficiency of the two businesses with regard to customised all-in-one solutions.
Nutrafood produces a range of spreads, plant-based drinks and hypoallergenic products.
In a statement, Döhler said: “Döhler Group and Nutrafood are convinced that this step is a milestone on the path towards a leading position in the plant-based nutrition segment, while simultaneously strengthening their respective positions. Nutrafood will continue and enhance its core business of plant-based foods and beverages.
“Both companies will join forces to drive innovative products and solutions that are in line with current consumer trends.”
Figures released earlier this year revealed that the number of new food and beverage products featuring plant-based claims increased by 62% CAGR globally between 2013 and 2017. Growing consumer interest in health, sustainability and ethics is said to be driving plant-derived ingredients and products into high popularity.
Source: FoodBev
McCain Foods has completed the acquisition of Irish plant-based frozen food manufacturer Strong Roots. The acquisition follows McCain and Strong Roots’ strategic partnership, which began in 2021 and resulted from a $55 million investment.
Cargill partners with Voyage Foods to scale up alternatives to cocoa-based products to meet consumers’ indulgence needs. The commercial partnership will also provide food manufacturers with nut spreads produced with no nut or dairy allergens used in the recipe formulation.
L’Occitane International owner Reinold Geiger is reportedly close to taking the company private in a deal with Blackstone. The French skin care company’s filing halted trading of its Hong Kong-listed shares this week. This is the second time in months that the Australian billionaire has attempted a buyout.