SuanNutra expands portfolio with IFF brands

The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

SuanNutra, a global provider of science-backed branded and functional ingredients, and Carbyne Equity Partners announced that SuanNutra has signed an agreement to acquire a portfolio of specialty natural ingredients businesses from IFF, including options that can be used in confectionery products. The businesses will merge with SuanNutra’s existing operations to create an enlarged global group in science-backed natural ingredients. The transaction is expected to complete by the end of this year, subject to regulatory clearances and customary closing conditions.

The combination is a transformational step for SuanNutra, the company says, delivering directly on its strategy of scaling nutraceutical science into measurable impact and expanding into food-enhancement ingredients.

The incoming businesses bring an expanded range of clinically supported branded ingredients and owned botanical extraction at source, plus scientifically backed fermented vitamins and minerals, together with plant-derived natural colors, antioxidants and flavors.

The combined manufacturing footprint spans botanical extraction in Spain, Slovenia, and Peru and fermentation in the U.S. The merged group will have around 700 employees serving more than 1,200 customers in over 60 countries. Customers will continue to be served seamlessly, without interruption, and the group will continue to invest in commercial capability, R&D and innovation across the enlarged group.

“The engaged, experienced people in these businesses know the products and customers deeply, and that expertise is central to everything we aspire to achieve," says Anthony Weston, group CEO of SuanNutra. "Together we will build, grow and transform this group into a stronger partner for our customers offering manufacturing at source, clinically proven ingredients, and a broad natural portfolio across nutraceuticals and food enhancement.”

Yoni Glickman, non-executive chairman of SuanNutra, adds: “Clinically supported branded ingredients are where this industry is heading – proven actives with the science to stand behind them. This expansion puts SuanNutra at the forefront of this transition. The move from artificial colours and preservatives to natural, scientifically substantiated ingredients is reshaping the food and health industries faster than ever.”

“SuanNutra has a clear strategy and a management team that understands these businesses and their markets," explains Markus Petersen, managing partner of Carbyne Equity Partners. This merger creates a botanical-based ingredients group of genuine scale and scientific credibility, and we are pleased to back the team in building it. We look forward to the opportunities these teams and SuanNutra will create together.”