Yerbalatina Phytoactives acquired by Archer Daniels Midland

US-based food processing company Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has acquired Brazilian plant-based extracts and ingredient manufacturer Yerbalatina Phytoactives.

The companies have not divulged the financial details of the deal.

Yerbalatina uses cool-drying technology to create extracts and ingredients from fruits, vegetables and other plants, including acerola, acai, guarana and green coffee.

The company supplies its extracts and ingredients to customers in the food, beverage and health industries. It offers over 100 botanical products and solutions, including organic food colourings, powdered fruits, plant-based milks and nutritional extracts. It also produces functional nutrition and health ingredients.

ADM health and wellness president Vikram Luthar said: “Yerbalatina’s wide array of natural botanical extracts, including organic-certified ingredients, combined with their R&D capabilities and market expertise, are exciting additions to our pantry as we continue to build our leadership position in science-based microbiome solutions for human and animal health.”

This acquisition will expand ADM’s business in Brazil, adding to production facilities in Campo Grand, Manaus and Uberlândia.

It currently employs over 6,000 people and processes oilseeds at eight locations across the country.

ADM nutrition president Vince Macciocchi said: “More and more consumers are turning to foods and supplements to help enhance health and wellness, and we are continuing to build a leadership position in that important market segment.

“The addition of Yerbalatina represents yet another tool in our portfolio as we continue to unlock the power of nature to enrich the quality of life.”

ADM has made various portfolio adjustments to improve its growth in recent years, including divestitures, acquisitions and investments.

ADM’s other recent acquisitions in the health and wellness sector include Biopolis and Protexin.

In another development, ADM announced an updated corporate identity. It now provides a full range of solutions to meet global trends in existing and new markets.