ADM, whose headquarters is in Chicago, acquired Yerbalatina Phytoactives, which is based in Colombo, a suburb of Curitiba in Brazil’s southernmost state of Paraná. Yerbalatina was founded in 1985.
“Yerbalatina’s wide array of natural botanical extracts — including organic-certified ingredients — combined with their R&D capabilities and market expertise, are exciting additions to our pantry as we continue to build our leadership position in science-based microbiome solutions for human and animal health,” said Vikram Luthar, president of ADM’s Health & Wellness business.
Yerbalatina uses proprietary cool-drying technology to transform fruits, vegetables and other plants – such as acerola, acai, guarana and green coffee – into a wide variety of extracts and ingredients for customers in the food, beverage and health industries. Yerbalatina features more than 100 botanical products and solutions includes functional nutrition and health ingredients; organic food colorings; organic powdered fruits; organic vegetable milks; and organic nutritional extracts.
Large footprint in Brazil
ADM already has numerous operations in Brazil, with more than 6,000 employees in country. The company has an extensive human and animal nutrition business, including an alternative protein production complex in Campo Grande; beverage extracts, bases and compounds production in Manaus and Uberlândia; and 13 animal nutrition facilities. In addition, ADM processes oilseeds at eight locations across Brazil, producing meal and renewable biodiesel, as well as a significant portfolio of consumer oils under the Concordia, Corcovado, ABC and Vitaliv brands.
This Yerbalatina acquisition, the details of which were not announced, fits into a timeline of recent ADM wellness investments. In 2018 the company opened a new enzyme lab in Davis, CA and entered into a joint venture with Vland Biotech to develop animal health enzymes. ADM also acquired Protexin, which manufactures probiotic supplements for humans, pets and other animals. In 2017, ADM acquired Biopolis, a European probiotics manufacturer and entered into a research partnership with Mayo Clinic investigate microbial solutions to improve health and wellness.