Roquette to acquire caramel colouring producer Sethness in US

Plant-based ingredients provider Roquette has signed an agreement to acquire the complete stake in the Sethness Products Company (Sethness) for an undisclosed price.

Sethness is headquartered in Skokie, Illinois, US, and primarily produces caramel colouring for the food and beverage segments.

The company provides a wide range of caramel colouring products in both liquid and powdered formats.

Additionally, Sethness’ products are offered in a variety of clean-label caramel colour options, including non-genetically modified (non-GMO), certified organic, gluten-free and allergen-free.

It operates four manufacturing facilities, which are located in the US, France, India and China respectively.

Sethness family representative Chuck Sethness said: “This is an important day in our long history.

“Over the past 135 years, our family owned company has strived to offer the highest-quality caramel colour products to the most recognised players in the food and beverage industry.

“I am pleased that Roquette, a group with which we share common values and a long-term vision, will now continue to leverage on the strong assets of both companies to reinforce its relationships with clients for the benefit of consumers globally.”

Roquette and Sethness also currently operate two joint ventures (JVs) in France and China.

The deal is subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions and is expected to close by third quarter of this year.

Sethness will continued to be managed by its existing shareholders until the deal is closed.

Roquette CEO Jean-Marc Gilson said: “This acquisition will help accelerate Roquette’s growth plan in the food and beverage market, and further drive value for our customers.

“We have been very happy to successfully partner with Sethness in France and China for years.

“We are looking forward to working with their talented teams to continue addressing customers’ current and future needs everywhere in the world.”