Frutarom Buys Savoury Flavors

January 5/Haifa, Israel/PRNewswire -- Frutarom Industries Ltd. has signed an agreement for the acquisition of the British company Savoury Flavours (Holding) Ltd. and its subsidiaries (SFL) in return for the amount of approximately $5.88 million. The transaction was completed upon signing. SFL grew at a fast rate of 28% from a turnover of approximately $5 million over the 12 months ending on September 30, 2010, to turnover of approximately $6.6 million for the same period ending in 2011.

Founded in 1999, SFL develops, manufactures, and markets savory taste solutions (the non-sweet taste spectrum), including mainly flavors, seasoning compounds, marinades and sauces, specializing in snacks and convenience foods. SFL has a development, manufacturing and marketing site in the U.K., and a customer base including food manufacturers and private labels manufacturers in the U.K. and in emerging markets. SFL's production site is located close to EAFI's production site (acquired by Frutarom on February 1, 2011), which manufacturers savory products as well. The geographic proximity, along with the two companies' complimentary product portfolio, will allow significant business synergies between SFL and Frutarom's savory activities throughout the world.

Frutarom's Savory activities throughout the world have increased significantly over the past few years following the acquisition of Nesse, Gewurzmuller and Ch. Hansen, acquired by Frutarom in 2006, 2007 and 2009 respectively, and the acquisition of EAFI, the savory activities of Rieber and of Ch. Hansen and FSI in 2011. The acquisition of SFL will allow Frutarom to expand its savory product portfolio and expand activities in developing markets.

According to president and chief executive officer of Frutarom, Ori Yehudai, "After five acquisitions completed in 2011, Frutarom is opening 2012 with an additional acquisition, which continues to strengthen its activities in the savory segment in Europe and in developing markets. This is an additional step towards strengthening Frutarom's position in the U.K. market, where Frutarom in currently a leading sweet flavors manufacturer."

"The global market for savory flavors is growing as a result of trends in improved quality-of-life and changes in consumer behavior, causing increased demand for processed and convenience foods. Frutarom has identified the savory segment as an important growth engine and is investing in the development of unique and innovative high added value products at its sites around the world. The acquisition of SFL, following previous acquisitions, is an additional step towards strengthening Frutarom's leadership in this important segment, and we intend to continue to invest in the substantial expansion of our activities in the savory segment in additional destinations throughout the world, including through further acquisitions.

Mark Towler, managing director and founder of SFL, with his many years' experience in the savory segment in general and specialized knowhow in the snacks and convenience food in particular, will continue to manage the business."

"We are continuing to pursue additional strategic acquisitions and to implement our rapid growth strategy combining internal profitable growth with strategic acquisitions, in order to fulfill our Growth destinations and the vision 'To be the preferred partner for tasty and healthy success,'" Yehudai stated.

From the January 5, 2011, Prepared Foods' Daily News.