Symrise (Holzminden, Germany) has acquired Unilever's (London/Rotterdam) UK non-branded food ingredients business for an undisclosed amount. The Burton-on-Trent based unit, which reported turnover of 5 million euros in 2006, specializes in dry seasonings and wet pastes for the chilled food, culinary and snack food categories. Symrise sees the move as an opportunity to strengthen its savory capabilities while gaining new competencies, technologies and final recipes. In addition, synergies are anticipated among the Burton-on-Trent site and existing Symrise facilities in Corby and Eye.
Of the deal, Symrise president of flavor and nutrition (EAME) Heinrich Schaper said, "By acquiring Unilever's UK food ingredients business, we are consistently pursuing our strategy of offering consumers not only a flavor but also an added value, e.g. healthier, taste or improved convenience."
Heinz-Juergen Bertram, Symrise's global president of flavor and nutrition added, "This acquisition is another good example of how we are consistently improving competitiveness in order to better leverage growth potential. It also aligns our aims with that of one of our most important customers, Unilever, enabling them to continue to focus on building their branded business."
