Bunge North America, St. Louis, has purchased the assets of Heartland Harvest Inc., a North American leader in the production of die-cut pellets used to make extruded foods. Financial terms of the acquisition were not released.

Heartland Harvest produces die-cut pellets made of a variety of starches, which are expanded through popping, baking or frying to create extruded food products. The company has one facility in Kankakee, IL.

“Consumer demand for innovative and healthier foods is growing and HHI ingredients can be used to make better-for-you snacks,” says Wade Ellis, general manager, Bunge Milling. “This facility also has the flexibility to use starches such as ancient grains and sweet potatoes, as well as corn, rice and potatoes, expanding the product portfolio we can offer our customers.” Bunge expects to keep a majority of the employees currently working at the plant.

Bunge North America is the North American operating arm of Bunge Limited, White Plains, NY, is a vertically integrated food and feed ingredients company, supplying raw and processed agricultural commodities and specialized food ingredients to a wide range of customers in the animal feed, food processor, foodservice and bakery industries.