Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has acquired a natural plant-based extracts and ingredients manufacturer Yerbalatina Phytoactives, in a move to strengthen its position in the health and wellness market.

The acquisition will expand ADM’s business in Brazil, which includes an alternative protein production facility in Campo Grande, and its beverage extracts, bases and compounds production in Manaus and Uberlândia.

As a result of the deal, ADM will acquire Yerbalatina’s portfolio of natural botanical extracts, as well as its research and development capabilities.

Based in Colombo, Yerbalatina uses cool-drying technology to convert fruits, vegetables and other plants including acerola, acai, guarana and green coffee into a wide variety of extracts and ingredients for customers in the food, beverage and health industries.

The company’s range of more than 100 botanical products and solutions includes functional nutrition and health ingredients, organic food colourings, organic powdered fruits, organic vegetable milks, and organic nutritional extracts.

Vikram Luthar, president of ADM’s health and wellness business, said: “Yerbalatina’s wide array of natural botanical extracts combined with their R&D capabilities and market expertise, are exciting additions to our pantry as we continue to build our leadership position in science-based microbiome solutions for human and animal health.”

Vince Macciocchi, president of ADM’s nutrition business, said: “The global retail market for foods, beverages and supplements that support health & wellness is estimated at $750 billion, and growing. From prebiotics and probiotics to enzymes, botanical extracts, and nutritional oils, the breadth and depth of our expertise and our portfolio ensure that our customers have everything they need to lead in this space.

“The addition of Yerbalatina represents yet another tool in our portfolio as we continue to unlock the power of nature to enrich the quality of life.”

Other acquisitions ADM have made in the health and wellness market include the purchase of UK-based probiotic supplement manufacturer Probiotics International Limited (PIL) for £185 million in 2018. Meanwhile, in 2017, ADM purchased Biopolis, a European company focused on probiotics and other health-promoting microbial technologies.