SuanNutra to acquire IFF’s natural ingredients, vitamins & minerals businesses

Functional ingredients supplier SuanNutra has signed an agreement to acquire a portfolio of specialty natural ingredients businesses from IFF. The businesses will merge with SuanNutra’s existing Spain-headquartered operations to become a global natural solutions group. 

Expected to close by the end of 2026, the transaction is subject to regulatory clearances and customary closing conditions. While financial terms are not disclosed, official communications from IFF report that the acquired portfolio generated approximately US$170 million in revenue in 2025.

The incoming businesses bring a range of clinically supported branded ingredients and botanical extraction capabilities, scientifically backed fermented vitamins and minerals, and plant-derived natural colors, antioxidants, and flavors to accelerate the food industry’s transition away from synthetic additives toward clean-label alternatives.

“The engaged, experienced people in these businesses know the products and customers deeply, and that expertise is central to everything we aspire to achieve,” says Anthony Weston, CEO of SuanNutra.

“Together we will build, grow, and transform this group into a stronger partner for our customers offering manufacturing at source, clinically proven ingredients, and a broad natural portfolio across nutraceuticals and food enhancement.”

Carbyne, which acquired SuanNutra in December 2025 as a standalone nutraceutical platform, sees the deal as a cornerstone for building long-term category leadership. Markus Petersen, managing partner of Carbyne Equity Partners, touts SuanNutra’s “clear strategy” and a management team that “understands these businesses and their markets.” 

“This merger creates a botanical-based ingredients group of genuine scale and scientific credibility, and we are pleased to back the team in building it. We look forward to the opportunities these teams and SuanNutra will create together.”

Expansion into fermentation and botanical extraction

SuanNutra considers the deal a “transformational step” that ties into its strategy of scaling nutraceutical science into “measurable impact” and expansion into food-enhancement ingredients.

The combined manufacturing footprint extends from IFF’s fermentation activities in the US toward its botanical extraction in Spain, Slovenia, and Peru.

The combined manufacturing footprint extends from IFF’s fermentation activities in the US toward its botanical extraction in Spain, Slovenia, and Peru.In total, the merged group will have around 700 employees across more than 60 countries, serving over 1,200 customers without interruption. The group will continue to invest in commercial capability, R&D, and innovation across the enlarged group.

The newly combined entity strengthens clinically backed ingredients in SuanNutra’s Visible Health strategy.

“Clinically supported branded ingredients are where this industry is heading — proven actives with the science to stand behind them,” adds Yoni Glickman, non-executive chairman of SuanNutra.

“This expansion puts SuanNutra at the forefront of this transition. The move from artificial colors and preservatives to natural, scientifically substantiated ingredients is reshaping the food and health industries faster than ever.”

Deepening focus on specialty ingredients

HSF Kramer acted as legal counsel to SuanNutra and Carbyne and EY acted as financial advisor. Alantra acted as financial advisor to IFF and DLA Piper LLP acted as legal counsel.

Mai Karas, investment director of Carbyne Equity Partners, concludes: “Specialty ingredients are at the heart of Carbyne’s investment strategy. This transaction brings a global range of natural ingredients into the group and deepens our focus on the sector.”

In other recent business developments, SuanNutra’s US business finalized a distribution agreement with Spanish biotech company Fitoplancton Marino to supply its microalgae-based ingredient TetraSOD across North America as part of its strategy to expand its portfolio of proprietary, clinically validated marine bioactives.

The marine bioactive complex has clinically backed benefits in cellular and metabolic health, with demonstrated benefits in body composition and energy metabolism.