Nexture acquires Frulact to expand global reach and fruit-based ingredient innovation

Nexture, the Milan-headquartered value-added food ingredients group backed by Investindustrial, has announced the acquisition of Frulact, a leading global manufacturer of fruit- and vegetable-based specialty ingredients.

The deal marks a major milestone in Nexture’s buy-and-build strategy, significantly boosting its capabilities in fruit preparations and expanding its footprint across North America and Africa.

Frulact, based in Porto, Portugal, operates 11 production facilities and 9 R&D centers across Europe, North America, and Africa. The company employs over 850 people and generates approximately €265 million in annual revenue, supplying fruit-based ingredients, liquid flavours, and plant-based solutions to more than 50 countries.

Its portfolio spans applications in dairy, desserts, beverages, and ice cream, with a strong emphasis on clean label and wellness trends.

“This acquisition represents a natural evolution of our growth strategy,” said Gabriele Del Torchio, CEO of Nexture. “Frulact’s innovation capabilities and regional reach complement our operational excellence and heritage in fruit preparations, allowing us to accelerate value creation and deliver even greater customer impact.”

The acquisition builds on Nexture’s existing expertise in fruit preparations, anchored by its facilities in Pedrengo, Italy, and Goes, the Netherlands.

With Frulact onboard, Nexture’s industrial footprint expands to 24 factories and 20 R&D centers globally, supporting estimated revenues of €1.1 billion and a workforce of 2,700.

Frulact’s leadership team, led by CEO Dinorah Mandic, will remain in place and join the Nexture Group.

“We share a common vision of excellence and sustainability,” Mandic said. “Joining Nexture gives us the scale and resources to accelerate innovation and expand our geographic reach.”

The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Advisors on the deal included Nomura, Slaughter & May, Uría, Paul Weiss, McKinsey & Company, and PwC.

Nexture’s portfolio includes CSM Ingredients, Italcanditi, HIFOOD, Vitalfood, Comprital, and Prodotti Rubicone. The group operates in over 120 countries and is positioning itself as a strategic partner for food industry stakeholders seeking high-quality, trend-aligned ingredient solutions.