Dive Brief:
- The completion of Frutarom’s $130.4 million purchase of Wiberg GmbH of Austria, a world leader in savory flavors, strengthens its position as a major player in the market. The purchase also includes Wiberg GmbH of Germany, which includes Wiberg’s 50% ownership share in a Canadian subsidiary, and 51% ownership share in a Turkish company.
- Wiberg brings with it a brand name in specialty and innovative savory solutions, including flavor extracts and seasoning blends.
- In related news, the Frutarom Savory Solutions division is offering new marinades that address consumers’ tastes for umami with Caesar and hickory flavors; elevate flavors for butter and garlic, and Mediterranean herbs; and further explore the flavors found in popular Brazilian dishes.
Dive Insight:
Other recent purchases by Frutarom include 50 percent of Algalo, which produces active ingredients from algae. The purchase of Grow Co. for $20 million boosts Frutarom’s offerings in natural solutions to the food and health sectors. Grow creates natural ingredients that improve the body’s absorption of vitamins and minerals.
The Wiberg acquisition is the largest purchase by Frutarom thus far; it has completed 29 acquisitions in the last five years. The company has increased its sales target to $2 billion by 2020. With its deep roster of assets, Frutarom, a global company operating in the flavors and natural fine ingredients markets, will further increase flavor solutions in expanding fields, such as the culinary field.
Manufacturers will want to take note of Frutarom's activities. With production and development centers on six continents and more than 20,000 customers in more than 150 countries, Frutarom will play a role in shaping the direction of global savory flavor trends, responding with a variety of flavors consumers crave.