Food giant Kerry Group has completed the acquisition of US-based Natreon, a supplier of branded ayurvedic botanical ingredients.
Natreon supplies branded and scientifically studied and tested ayurvedic extracts to the dietary supplement and functional food and beverage industries across the globe.
Kerry said the acquisition “significantly expands Kerry’s leadership position and Proactive Health portfolio of science-backed branded ingredients, furthering the company’s technology growth”.
The branded ingredients in Natreon’s portfolio are protected by a wide range of US and foreign patents and supported by a total of 52 clinical studies which support the efficacy of their health benefits.
The ingredients will be integrated into Kerry’s Proactive Health portfolio and leveraged by Kerry’s broad customer base.
They will be supported by Kerry’s global application and research and development network, including continued investment in the science and clinical evidence supporting the brands.
Gerry Behan, president and chief executive of taste and nutrition at Kerry Group, said consumers are increasingly looking for nutritional benefits when purchasing food and drink.
“Recent proprietary consumer research from Kerry stating that 42 per cent of US consumers are more likely to purchase a product which is backed by research or scientific data,” he said.
“Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest holistic and alternative wellness practices with historical roots in India.
“Today, we see growing use of ayurvedic and botanical ingredients which are trending in functional foods and beverages for their ability to deliver stress, cognitive, and energy benefits, for example.
“Our acquisition of Natreon allows us to participate in this dynamic market with on-trend and science-backed ayurvedic ingredients, including the well-known Sensoril Ashwagandha brand.
“This acquisition will allow us to deliver health benefits substantiated by clinical research to a greater number of consumers, ultimately supporting our ambition to reach over 2 billion people with sustainable nutrition solutions by 2030.”
Kerry has been building in science-backed functional ingredients within its Proactive Health portfolio for the past several years, most recently with the acquisition of Spain- based company Biosearch Life in 2021.
Headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Natreon has 34 employees and operates three facilities, a head office located in New Jersey, a research and development facility located in India and manufacturing site in Nepal.
