Frutarom Industries, a company operating in the global flavours and natural fine ingredients markets, has signed an agreement to acquire Spain-based AB Biotics’ activity and its micro-encapsulation technology.

Enabling delivery of iron with increased biological absorption, the technology prevents the side effects of metallic taste and digestive problems in the applications of functional foods and dietary supplements.

Frutarom decided to acquire the technology and expand its activity following completion of marketing products based on this technology to its customers over the past four years.

Frutarom Industries Natural Product Solutions Unit president Yoni Glickman said: “The acquisition of the AB-Fortis technology continues the fulfilment of Frutarom’s broad strategic drive to strengthen its position as a leading, innovative global supplier of natural specialty products and functional food components in the fields of taste and health.

“Delivering iron supplementation in a bio-available and palatable manner is an important objective for many of our food and supplement customers and we continue to work with them closely to bring this and other innovative solutions that combine our core competencies in taste and health.”

“The acquisition of the AB-Fortis technology continues the fulfilment of Frutarom’s broad strategic drive to strengthen its position as a leading, innovative global supplier.”

Following the acquisition, the AB-Fortis activity will join Frutarom’s activity in specialty fine ingredients.

Frutarom develops, produces and markets active substances and natural specialty patent-protected extracts.

Frutarom Industries president and CEO Ori Yehudai said that, in recent years, the company further expanded its activities in natural products by also entering the field of natural colours for food through the acquisitions of Montana Food, Vitiva and Ingrenat.

The company markets and sells more than 60,000 products to more than 30,000 customers in over 150 countries.