Ingredion expands Food Systems platform with acquisition of KaTech
The move adds a further suite of label-friendly solutions aligned with the latest consumer trends to Ingredion’s existing Food Systems platform.
It also expands the company’s ability to assist producers with product formulation, ingredient functionality and technical assistance.
Lübeck-headquartered KaTech was founded in 2010 to develop bespoke solutions tailored for the clean label plant-based, bakery, savoury, dairy and dairy alternatives, and meat and fish sectors.
The company has a high level of expertise in ingredient functionality and applications in areas such as stabilisation, texture enhancement, protein protection and enrichment, mouthfeel improvement, and emulsification.
It works in synergy with its clients to bring products to market faster, overcome any challenges and optimise product costs.
KaTech operates three facilities in the EU – two in Germany and one in Poland – along with another in the UK, employing a workforce of 95 employees.
Geographic footprint
“KaTech has deep food formulation expertise which complements our leading texture business in Europe,” said Jim Zallie, Ingredion's president and CEO.
“The addition of KaTech enhances our ability to formulate customised, complete food solutions leveraging Ingredion’s expanded ingredient portfolio. It also expands the geographic footprint of our Food Systems growth platform complementing our positions in the US and Asia.”
Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Chicago-based Ingredion serves customers in more than 120 countries, developing solutions that turn plant-based materials into value-added ingredients in its Idea Labs Innovation Centres around the world. The company employs a 12,000-strong workforce and posted $6bn in 2020 annual sales.
