FDBusiness.com

Switzerland-based WILD Flavors has successfully completed the acquisition of Cargill’s global juice cold blends and compounds business after receiving all necessary antitrust approvals. The acquisition, which was first announced on April 17, 2012, is a key step in the company’s global growth strategy and further strengthens its position as a leading natural ingredients company for the food and beverage industry.

“Combining our expertise with the capabilities of the newly acquired business enables WILD to offer the most complete product portfolio in the global juice business,” comments Michael H Ponder, chief executive of WILD Flavors. “This further supports WILD Flavors’ unique market position as the truly single source of supply for all of the natural ingredients our customers need to produce a high-quality, finished beverage product.”

The acquisition adds a global network of three production and storage facilities with direct sea access in Japan, the Netherlands and the United States to WILD Flavors’ existing operations. This differentiated and integrated supply chain is an essential asset to meet the fast-growing demand for fruit juices in these geographical areas over the coming years.