Döhler, a privately owned global producer, marketer and provider of technology-based natural ingredients and food additives for the food and beverage industries based in Darmstadt/Germany, is bolstering its global market presence and expanding its ingredient portfolio with the acquisition of SVZ, a company supplying fruit and vegetable ingredients to food and drink manufacturers around the world.
Headquartered in Breda in the southern part of the Netherlands, SVZ has production facilities in Belgium, Poland, Spain and the US, where it has built strong partnerships with local growers to ensure fruit and vegetables are cultivated, harvested and processed to the highest standards. The acquisition not only comprises all production sites but also the tropical trading house Netra Agro.
SVZ is a subsidiary of Coöperatie Koninklijke Cosun UA (Royal Cosun), a leading international agricultural cooperative with more than 8,400 sugar beet growers. The Dutch company processes vegetable raw materials, especially sugar and potatoes, through biorefining to produce ingredients and components for human and animal nutrition, plant-based chemistry, non-food applications, and energy.
Royal Cosun originated from the cooperative sugar sector in the Netherlands. The first cooperative sugar factory was established in 1899. Upon reaching its centenary in 1999, Cosun was granted the right to use the title "Koninklijk" (Royal) and adopted the new name Royal Cosun.
In 2021, Royal Cosun announced the search for a new global partner for SVZ, one that would enable SVZ to grow and improve its position in the fruit and vegetable market.
The acquisition of SVZ, that has established a robust global presence and garnered a loyal customer base in the food, beverage, and lifescience & nutrition industries, aligns perfectly with Döhler's expertise in sourcing, production, and supply chain capabilities, ensuring an even wider ingredient portfolio and access to a larger raw material base for customers. The acquisition aims to enhance Doehler’s offerings in the natural red fruit and vegetable ingredients space, while also strengthening its position in the USA and Japan markets.
As consumer interest in healthier nutrition continues to rise, there is a growing demand for ingredients that offer superior nutritional value and exceptional sensory experiences, all sourced sustainably. SVZ's portfolio complements this trend by offering a diverse range of low-calorie, high-fiber, and nutrient-rich fruit and vegetable ingredients, enhancing the overall nutritional content of food and beverages. These products seamlessly integrate with Döhler's existing portfolio of natural ingredients and ingredient systems.
Döhler has over 45 production sites, 75 offices, and application centers spread across more than 160 countries employing over 1,000 people in research and development. With its global presence and sustainable approach, the company focuses on delivering technology-driven natural ingredients and integrated solutions to the food, beverage, and nutrition industry worldwide. The company's product portfolio includes natural flavors, natural colors, natural health ingredients, a wide range of plant-based ingredients, ingredient systems, and end-to-end solutions.
SVZ boasts more than a century of experience in the global fruit and vegetable agribusiness and is dedicated to maintaining quality leadership throughout the entire supply chain
Financial details of the acquisition which is subject to regulatory approval were not disclosed.
