Givaudan acquires natural-color maker

Seeking to capitalize on growing demand for natural ingredients, the Swiss flavor and fragrance maker Givaudan will acquire DDW, a Kentucky firm that produces natural food coloring. Louie D’Amico, president of Givaudan’s taste and well-being business, says the acquisition will make Givaudan the world’s second-largest provider of natural colors. “With health and wellness top of mind for consumers over the last 18 months, interest in natural food formulation and recognizable, clean-label ingredients has continued to rise,” D’Amico says in an email. “This long-term trend is driving increased demand for natural colors.” Oterra, which claims to be the largest natural-color firm, is also growing through acquisition. The company, previously known as Chr. Hansen Natural Colors, acquired Secna Natural Ingredients in June and Diana Food’s natural-color business in September. This year’s activity follows a burst of enthusiasm from major food companies a few years ago. In 2015 and 2016, Kellogg, General Mills,