CFF acquires International Fiber Europe

German natural fibre producer CFF has acquired Belgium-based International Fiber Europe (IFE) for an undisclosed sum.

IFE is based in Temse, Belgium, and is engaged in the production of functional ingredients for use by food and cheese manufacturers.

IFE offers powdered cellulose products under its Solka-Floc, JustFiber, and NutraFiber brands, which are are created using functional ingredients derived from plant-based sources.

The company’s powdered cellulose is used in the production of several food commodities, including bread, cakes, sauces, salad dressings and meats, as well as spice and flavour carriers.

In addition, IFE’s cellulose products are employed by cheese manufacturers as an anti-caking agent in shredded cheese.

The anti-caking agents are currently available on the market under the KEYCEL, FloAm and Qual Flo brands.

CFF intends to leverage the acquisition to improve its ability to provide products and innovative application technologies for its global customer base.

CFE noted that the newly acquired company is set to be re-named CFF Belgium and will continue the production of functional cellulose fibres at its manufacturing site in Temse.

Fibre products from the Belgian site will be offered under various CFF brand names in future, including SANACEL, TECHNOCEL, DIACEL and QUALICEL.

The German company said in a statement: “CFF stands for constant innovation and customised fibre solutions from natural resources and we are delighted to be working with the team of former IFE, enabling us to expand our reach into key territories and new applications.

“By combining our individual strengths we hope to bring more value to our customers, in addition to exploring new opportunities with our fibre ingredients.”