Givaudan acquires Activ International
Strengthens global capabilities in natural flavour solutions
As part of its 2020 strategy to strengthen capabilities in natural flavour solutions to its customers, Givaudan today announced that it has acquired Activ International.
Activ International offers a range of natural and organic flavours, marine extracts, seafood and vegetable based culinary solutions to customers. With headquarters in Bienne (Switzerland), Activ operates from locations in Somerset (New Jersey, USA), Melaka (Malaysia), Mitry-Mory (Paris, France) and Arequipa (Peru), employing globally 170 employees.
Gilles Andrier, CEO of Givaudan said: “This acquisition fits with our 2020 strategy to expand our offering to deliver natural products to our customers. Givaudan is the global leader in the space of natural flavours and Activ further complements our capabilities with its strong portfolio of natural meat, seafood and vegetable flavours. We are delighted to welcome Activ’s employees to Givaudan; our high cultural fit will contribute greatly to a successful integration.”
Mauricio Graber, President of Givaudan’s Flavour Division said: “Consumers around the world are increasingly demanding more natural and organic products from food and beverage companies. The addition of Activ’s product portfolio further enables Givaudan to strengthen our extensive natural flavour offerings and provide customers with complete and competitive natural solutions.”
While terms of the deal have not been disclosed, Activ’s business would have represented approximately CHF 40 million of incremental sales to Givaudan’s results in 2016 on a proforma basis. Givaudan plans to fund the transaction from existing resources.
About Givaudan
Givaudan is the global leader in the creation of flavours and fragrances. In close collaboration with food, beverage, consumer product and fragrance partners, Givaudan develops tastes and scents that delight consumers the world over. With a passion to understand consumers’ preferences and a relentless drive to innovate, Givaudan is at the forefront of creating fragrances and flavours that ‘engage your senses’. The Company achieved sales of CHF 4.4 billion in 2015. Headquartered in Switzerland with local presence in over 80 locations, the Company has more than 9,500 employees worldwide. Givaudan invites you to discover more at www.givaudan.com.
About Givaudan Flavours
Givaudan’s comprehensive knowledge of local flavours, extensive global footprint and strategic insights enable close partnerships with customers wherever they may be. With a customised approach to product creation, the Flavour Division is a powerhouse of knowledge, innovation and creativity equipped to surprise customers and consumers with fresh, unique ideas and solutions. Givaudan creates lasting flavour and taste experiences that touch emotions across key segments including beverages, sweet goods, savoury and snacks; regardless of product category Givaudan’s passion is to make food and beverage products taste delicious. We invite you to ‘engage your senses’ and learn more about Flavours at www.givaudan.com/flavours.
About Activ International
Activ International is headquartered in Bienne (Switzerland) and has been a leader in food ingredient technology since 1984 specialising in natural and organic meat, poultry, seafood, vegetable and vegetarian flavours and extracts, speciality grill flavours, as well as natural colours, such as carmine and annatto. In addition to the North American offices and facilities, Activ International operates facilities in Mitry-Mory (France), Melaka (Malaysia) and Arequipa (Peru).
Activ International has built its business on cutting-edge ingredient technology, delivering optimal natural extract, flavour and culinary solutions, serving the most discernible customers worldwide. Activ International North America has been the industry leader manufacturing natural flavours, culinary flavours and enhanced savoury flavours designed to deliver the authentic flavour profile of their characteristic raw material: meat, poultry, seafood, vegetable or vegetarian. In addition to Halal and Kosher, Activ International North America is currently the leading manufacturer of USDA and Canada Organic Regime certified flavours for the rapidly growing all-natural, organic food market. Activ International Europe and Asia have been driving forces in the development of cutting edge seafood flavours and natural colours compositions. The Malaysian site offers 100% halal certified solutions geared towards the southeast Asia region.
At Activ International, we listen to our customer's needs and realise the importance of regional taste, product customisation, application support, speed to market, global regulatory acumen, and superior customer service.
Activ International was privately held and employs 170 people.
For further information, please contact:
Peter Wullschleger, Givaudan Media and Investor Relations
T +41 22 780 9093
E peter_b.wullschleger@givaudan.com
Ingrid Janson, Givaudan Flavours
T +1 786 602 4337
E ingrid.janson@givaudan.com