Kerry Group to acquire two food companies in US for $360m

Global taste and nutrition company Kerry has reached an agreement to acquire Ariake USA, the North American business of Ariake Japan Co, and Southeastern Mills’ (SEM) North American coatings and seasonings business for €325m ($360m).

Ariake USA manufactures natural savoury taste solutions at its facility in Harrisonburg, Virginia. These solutions are derived from pork, poultry, and vegetables.

With specialised extraction technologies and development capabilities, Ariake USA produces several tailored solutions for several end-use markets.

The acquisition of Ariake USA is expected to further expand Kerry’s taste and clean label portfolio.

SEM produces coatings and seasonings at its facility in Rome, Georgia.

The acquisition of SEM is expected to complement Kerry’s taste portfolio and enhance its offerings for the meat end-use market.

These purchases not only expand Kerry’s foundational technology portfolio but also bolster its position in the foodservice segment.

In October, Kerry acquired Ohio-based probiotic ingredients maker Ganeden, which has a revenue of around $25m.

This acquisition complements its supplement ingredient brand Wellmune, which was purchased by Kerry in 2015.

In September, Kerry opened its first ingredient facility in Moscow, Russia.

Located at Istra district, Kerry’s 7,000mt² production facility and warehouse complex produces ingredients for meat processing and snacks market.

In August, global ingredients distributor Univar’s subsidiary Univar BV reached an agreement to distribute Kerry Ingredients and Flavours’ products in the UK, Irish, Spanish and Portuguese markets.