HYET purchases Ajinomoto Sweeteners in France

Netherlands-based HYET has purchased Ajinomoto Sweeteners Europe (ASE) in France, as a part of its global expansion.

Ajinomoto’s manufacturing site in Gravelines has been producing Aspartame since 1993.

Originally called Euro-Aspartame, the site was initially owned equally by NutraSweet and Ajinomoto. It became a wholly owned subsidiary of Ajinomoto in 2000, and was re-named ASE in 2006.

The site manufactures AminoSweet aspartame, a sweetening ingredient made from the building blocks of protein. It is said to be 200 times sweeter than sugar, and is low on calories.

The transaction will be finalised on 1 October, and after the acquisition, ASE will be renamed as HYET Sweet.

Amid fears of retrenchment at the Gravelines site, HYET has assured that all the employees will be part of the new entity.

HYET Group CEO Ad Timmermans said: "We are delighted to be able to preserve the Gravelines site and secure a future for all employees. The purchase of ASE will take our company to an exciting new phase.

"HYET Sweet is one of the leading suppliers of sweeteners in Europe, and sells in over 35 countries. With the extensive market experience of HYET Sweet and the expertise in manufacturing of the Gravelines site, we are confident we will strengthen our position in the global sweeteners market."

Headquartered in Breda, Netherlands, HYET Holdings specialises in the supply of sweeteners such as Aspartame, Sucralose, Acesulfame-K, and Stevia in over 35 countries.