FDBusiness.com

Healthy Food Ingredients, L.L.C. has acquired Suntava Corp., a plant-based ingredients company known for its proprietary Suntava purple corn, a non-bioengineered/non-G.M.O. hybrid. Suntava purple corn, derived from ancient strains of Andean maize, is used as an ingredient in functional foods, beverages, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. It also serves as a colorant for foods and beverages.

Healthy Food Ingredients, the parent company of SK Food International and Hesco/Dakota Organics Products, provides non-bioengineered, organic, gluten-free and identity-preserved ingredients to domestic and international customers in the food and pet food manufacturing and food service industries.

“H.F.I. is a quickly-growing company,” said Brad Hover, chief executive officer. “However, we are purposeful in growing the H.F.I. platform. Like our other brands, SK Food and Hesco, Suntava has a rich history within the food industry and is a natural fit for us. We are pleased to include them in the H.F.I. family.”

Suntava will operate as a division of Healthy Food Ingredients and continue to use the Suntava name. Suntava purple corn is sold as a whole kernel, flour, meal, grits, masa flour, individually quick frozen (I.Q.F.) and freeze-dried fresh purple corn. It is used in such applications as cereal, snack foods, baked foods, beverages, dietary supplements, skin care and pet food blends.

“We look forward to continued growth and expansion into new markets under the H.F.I. umbrella and know our customers and consumers will benefit from Suntava’s access to a broader grower network, enhanced distribution and a united commitment to the best food safety practices from field to table,” said Bill Petrich, president of Afton, Minn.-based Suntava.