Freudenberg invests in natural food additives

Capol, part of the Freudenberg Chemical Specialities Business Group, has announced it is acquiring Colarôme, a specialist in natural food additives. Effective immediately, the acquisition marks Freudenberg’s expansion into the confectionery market.

Capol is the market leader for coatings in the confectionery industry. Its products serve all applications requiring coating or surface treatment, including: anti-sticking agents for gums and jellies; glazes and polishing agents for sugar dragées or chocolate-coated centres; and coated acids and sealing agents for nuts, raisins or dried fruit.

Colarôme holds production technology patents for the manufacturing and the formulation of dyes, pigments, flavours and extracts in the natural ingredient sector.

Capol CEO Christian Hauk suggests there will be several benefits resulting from this acquisition, stating, “For Capol, the acquisition generates substantial synergy effects. We will be even better able to offer and develop products that precisely meet our customers’ requirements. The acquisition is a further step to expanding our position as an industry leader for coatings in the confectionery industry.”

Seventeen employees currently work for Colarôme. The company’s production facility in Canada also forms part of the transaction, which will strengthen the business in this region and abroad.

Capol is currently developing its global business, and the acquisition is another stepping stone towards that ultimate goal.

“Additives for the food industry are an attractive market segment in the long term. Having Colarôme now in our portfolio, we will be able to strategically develop this business segment,” said Hanno D Wentzler, president and CEO of Freudenberg Chemical Specialities. “Both Capol and Colarôme have very similar business models, so we expect a swift integration into Capol.”