ADM Acquires Two Flavor Companies

ADM is upping its flavor game by announcing two recent acquisitions. UK-based FDL, a leading developer and producer of premium flavor and functional ingredient systems, operates three production facilities and two customer innovation centers in the UK.

FDL's approximately 235 colleagues, which include about 40 dedicated innovation specialists, have created more than 10,000 proprietary flavor formulations that enable accelerated speed to market.

“We are excited to enter into this agreement with ADM. They’re an ideal partner for us, with global nutrition and flavor capabilities that will provide new opportunities to strengthen FDL’s portfolio of taste and nutrition solutions," said Eric Beatty, CEO of FDL. "In turn, the FDL team looks forward to helping add to ADM’s broad offerings with our diverse portfolio of flavour and functional ingredient systems, IP, and capabilities, as well as the entrepreneurial spirit and innovativeness of human talent that has enabled FDL to become a differentiated market leader today. ADM is synonymous with the best in animal and human nutrition, and together, we look forward to delivering new and innovative ingredient solutions to our global customer base in the food and beverage industry.”

On Dec. 18, 2023, ADM also announced acquisition of WI-based dairy flavor ingredient and solutions manufacturer, Revela Foods. The product line includes flavors, sauces, and seasonings.

“We are excited to partner with ADM to further Revela’s reputation as an innovative, turnkey provider of dairy flavor ingredients and solutions,” said Terry Schneider, Revela’ CEO. “We believe joining the ADM family will allow us to offer even broader solutions to our customers and will provide our employees with even greater opportunities for advancement.”

Revela has delivered rapid growth, driven by its innovative enzyme technology, which powers a broad range of clean-label dairy flavor formulations for multiple applications, from snacks and frozen meals to sauces, dressings, soups, seasonings and desserts. 

“Our ongoing investments to add to our flavors portfolio are helping power our strategic work to build a global leader in Nutrition,” said Calvin McEvoy, ADM’s president of global flavors. “FDL’s innovative and agile formulation knowledge, deep end-use applications expertise, and strong customer base make them a great addition to ADM’s global flavor capabilities. We are incredibly impressed by the FDL team, and we believe both companies will benefit from each other as we work to expand our reach in key channels, particularly foodservice.”

Of the Revela Foods acquisition, McEvoy commented: “Revela has built a strong business around its unique range of dairy flavor ingredients and solutions for customers spanning major brands, retailers and food service. ADM has a strong presence in the North America savory flavors segment, and we’re excited to work with the impressive Revela team to expand our opportunities there, bringing their technology and innovation together with our global capabilities to power our unparalleled range of ingredients and complete solutions for customers who are looking for great flavors and clean labels.”

ADM expects both transactions to be complete in early 2024.

ADM continues to add to its portfolio of flavor ingredients and solutions. Since acquiring WILD Flavors in 2014, the company has added multiple new offerings to its flavors portfolio through acquisitions, including savory via Eatem Foods; citrus via Florida Chemical Company and Erich Ziegler Citrus; and vanilla via Rodelle.

The company has also expanded globally with acquisitions such as Flavor Infusion South America; organic investments like its Pinghu, China, flavor production facility and the expansion of its Berlin flavor facility; and its growing network of innovation centers spanning Europe, Asia, Latin America, and North America.