Kensing acquires Vitae Naturals to expand in vitamin E market

29 Jun 2022 --- US-based Kensing, together with One Rock Capital Partners, a US-based portfolio company, has acquired Spain-based Vitae Naturals. The acquisition looks to expand in the nutrition, food and personal care industry, as both specialize in vitamin E.

The value of the acquisition has not been disclosed.

Kensing is a manufacturer of natural vitamin E, plant sterols and high-purity surfactants. Through the acquisition of Vitae Naturals, a leading producer of plant sterol esters and non-genetically modified organisms (GMO) natural vitamin E derivatives for the food, nutrition and skincare end-markets.

The company aims to “strengthen the natural footprint in Europe and enable further expansion in food ingredients,” says Rafael Cano Mariblanca, general manager of Vitae Naturals.

“Kensing provides a strong platform to build upon our position in our existing markets and expand further into the personal care market. Together, we have a truly diversified footprint with numerous growth opportunities.”

One Rock is a portfolio company making “controlled investments in companies with potential for growth and operational improvement.”

Europe meets the USVitamin E has previously shown several health benefits, such as brain mood.
Vitae Naturals was founded in 2000, presenting two brands with different focus segments. 

The plant sterol esters are founded under the Vitasterol brand and have been “clinically proven to naturally lower cholesterol and help fight heart disease when added to margarine spreads, yogurts and supplements.” 

The vitamin E segment was founded under the Vitapherole brand. Mariblanca details: “Natural vitamin E derivatives are primarily used in vitamin supplements and as natural antioxidants in food and cosmetic applications.” 

As industry grapples with the supply chain crisis, vitamin E has also been hit with companies facing delays and increasing costs.

The attraction of vitamin E

Consisting of eight compounds, vitamin E is often associated with health benefits such as immunity, brain mood, energy and stamina positionings. 

Vitamin E, known scientifically as alpha-tocopherol, has many biological roles, one of which is to serve as an antioxidant,” Maret Traber, professor in public health and human sciences at the Ohio State College (US), previously said.

Usually found in oil and fats, a mice study showed a relationship between liver health and immunity-boosting effects when the vitamin E was extracted from palm oil. 

Edited by Beatrice Wihlander