SuanNutra is positioning itself as a new category leader in science-backed natural ingredients following an agreement to acquire a portfolio of specialty natural ingredients businesses from IFF, significantly expanding its capabilities across nutraceuticals and food enhancement.

The transaction, expected to complete by the end of 2026 subject to regulatory approvals, represents a major strategic step for the Madrid-headquartered company and its owner, Carbyne Equity Partners.

More importantly for food and drink manufacturers, it reflects the rapid convergence of health-focused ingredients, clean-label reformulation and evidence-based nutrition that is reshaping ingredient sourcing and product development.

Building scale in a high-growth market

The acquisition combines SuanNutra’s existing portfolio of branded functional ingredients with IFF’s specialty natural ingredients businesses, creating a larger organisation focused on clinically supported ingredients and natural food solutions.

The enlarged group will offer clinically supported branded nutraceutical ingredients; botanical extraction capabilities in Spain, Slovenia and Peru; fermented vitamins and minerals produced in the United States, plant-derived natural colours; natural antioxidants and natural flavours.

Following completion, the combined business will employ around 700 people, serve more than 1,200 customers across over 60 countries and continue investing in research and development, commercial capabilities and manufacturing.

Importance to manufacturers

While the transaction is significant from a corporate perspective, its wider importance lies in the direction it signals for the ingredients sector.

Manufacturers are increasingly looking for suppliers capable of delivering multiple solutions across health, functionality and clean-label reformulation rather than individual ingredients. At the same time, retailers and consumers continue to demand products that replace artificial additives with naturally derived alternatives without compromising performance.

The acquisition strengthens SuanNutra’s ability to address both trends simultaneously.

Its expanded portfolio supports what the company describes as its Visible Health strategy — ingredients supported by clinical evidence that deliver benefits consumers can recognise — while also increasing its presence in food enhancement through natural colours, antioxidants and flavours.

As pressure grows to replace synthetic colours, preservatives and flavourings, manufacturers are seeking suppliers with both scientific expertise and secure production capacity, making scale an increasingly important competitive advantage.

Science and natural ingredients converge

Anthony Weston, Group CEO of SuanNutra, described the acquisition as a people- and expertise-led expansion.

“The engaged, experienced people in these businesses know the products and customers deeply, and that expertise is central to everything we aspire to achieve. Together we will build, grow and transform this group into a stronger partner for our customers offering manufacturing at source, clinically proven ingredients, and a broad natural portfolio across nutraceuticals and food enhancement.”

Yoni Glickman, non-executive chairman of SuanNutra, believes the acquisition aligns with broader industry trends.

“Clinically supported branded ingredients are where this industry is heading – proven actives with the science to stand behind them. This expansion puts SuanNutra at the forefront of this transition. The move from artificial colours and preservatives to natural, scientifically substantiated ingredients is reshaping the food and health industries faster than ever.”