SuanNutra has signed an agreement to acquire a portfolio of specialty natural ingredients businesses from IFF. The acquired operations will be combined with SuanNutra to create a larger global provider of science-backed ingredients for nutraceutical and food applications.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.
SuanNutra is a portfolio company of Carbyne Equity Partners. The acquisition supports its strategy of expanding clinically supported nutraceutical ingredients while entering additional food-enhancement categories.
The IFF businesses will add branded ingredients supported by clinical research, botanical extraction capabilities and fermented vitamins and minerals. The portfolio also includes plant-derived colors, antioxidants and flavors.
The combined manufacturing network will include botanical extraction facilities in Spain, Slovenia and Peru. It will also have fermentation operations in the United States.
Following completion, the enlarged group is expected to employ approximately 700 people. It will serve more than 1,200 customers across over 60 countries.
SuanNutra said customers will continue receiving products and services without interruption during the integration. The company also plans to invest in commercial capabilities, research and development and product innovation across the combined organization.
The acquisition will strengthen SuanNutra’s Visible Health strategy, which focuses on clinically supported ingredients intended to provide wellness benefits consumers can recognize. These ingredients can be used in dietary supplements, functional foods and other health-oriented products.
Clinically supported branded ingredients are differentiated through research demonstrating their potential benefits. This can help consumer health companies support product claims and distinguish their formulations in competitive markets.
The acquired natural colors, antioxidants and flavors will also expand SuanNutra’s exposure to clean-label food products. Food manufacturers are increasingly replacing synthetic dyes, preservatives and flavoring agents with naturally derived alternatives.
The transaction will give SuanNutra greater control over botanical sourcing and extraction. Manufacturing ingredients near the source of the underlying plants can improve supply-chain visibility, product consistency and access to specialized raw materials.
Carbyne believes the combination will create a botanical-based ingredients platform with greater scale and scientific expertise. The private equity firm focuses on specialty ingredients and plans to support the combined company’s continued expansion.
SuanNutra expects the employees joining from IFF to provide important technical, manufacturing and customer knowledge. Their expertise will support the integration of the product portfolio and the development of additional ingredient solutions.
HSF Kramer served as legal counsel to SuanNutra and Carbyne Equity Partners. EY acted as financial adviser on the transaction.
KEY QUOTES:
“The engaged, experienced people in these businesses know the products and customers deeply, and that expertise is central to everything we aspire to achieve. Together we will build, grow and transform this group into a stronger partner for our customers offering manufacturing at source, clinically proven ingredients, and a broad natural portfolio across nutraceuticals and food enhancement.”
Anthony Weston, Group CEO of SuanNutra
“Clinically supported branded ingredients are where this industry is heading, proven actives with the science to stand behind them. This expansion puts SuanNutra at the forefront of this transition. The move from artificial colours and preservatives to natural, scientifically substantiated ingredients is reshaping the food and health industries faster than ever.”
Yoni Glickman, Non-Executive Chairman of SuanNutra
“SuanNutra has a clear strategy and a management team that understands these businesses and their markets. This merger creates a botanical-based ingredients group of genuine scale and scientific credibility, and we are pleased to back the team in building it. We look forward to the opportunities these teams and SuanNutra will create together.”
Markus Petersen, Managing Partner of Carbyne Equity Partners
“Specialty ingredients are at the heart of Carbyne’s investment strategy. This transaction brings a global range of natural ingredients into the group and deepens our focus on the sector.”
Mai Karas, Investment Director of Carbyne Equity Partners
