SuanNutra is poised to emerge as a frontrunner in the realm of scientifically validated natural ingredients following its agreement to acquire a portfolio of specialty natural ingredients businesses from IFF. This strategic move significantly enhances its capabilities in the nutraceuticals and food enhancement sectors.
Scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, pending regulatory approvals, this transaction marks a pivotal development for the Madrid-based firm and its owner, Carbyne Equity Partners. For food and beverage manufacturers, this acquisition underscores the swift convergence of health-oriented ingredients, clean-label reformulation, and evidence-based nutrition, which is transforming ingredient procurement and product development.
The acquisition brings together SuanNutra’s existing portfolio of branded functional ingredients with IFF’s specialty natural ingredients, forming a more robust organisation dedicated to clinically supported ingredients and natural food solutions. The expanded entity will provide a range of clinically proven branded nutraceutical ingredients, botanical extraction options in Spain, Slovenia, and Peru, fermented vitamins and minerals sourced from the United States, alongside plant-based natural colours, antioxidants, and flavours.
Upon finalisation of the deal, the combined workforce will consist of approximately 700 employees, catering to over 1,200 customers in more than 60 countries, while continuing to invest in research and development, manufacturing, and commercial capabilities.
Beyond its corporate significance, this acquisition signals a crucial trend within the ingredients industry. Manufacturers are increasingly seeking suppliers who can deliver comprehensive solutions that address health, functionality, and clean-label reformulation, rather than standalone ingredients. Simultaneously, there is a growing demand from retailers and consumers for products that use naturally sourced alternatives to replace artificial additives without compromising efficacy.
The acquisition bolsters SuanNutra’s capacity to meet these dual demands. Its enhanced portfolio aligns with what the company refers to as its Visible Health strategy—offering ingredients backed by clinical research that provide recognisable benefits to consumers. Additionally, it strengthens its footprint in food enhancement through natural colours, antioxidants, and flavours.
With increasing pressure to eliminate synthetic colours, preservatives, and flavourings, manufacturers are on the lookout for suppliers endowed with scientific knowledge and reliable production capacity, making scalability a crucial competitive edge.
Anthony Weston, Group CEO of SuanNutra, characterised the acquisition as an expansion driven by expertise and talent. “The engaged, experienced people in these businesses know the products and customers deeply, and that expertise is central to everything we aspire to achieve. 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.”
Yoni Glickman, the non-executive chairman of SuanNutra, views this acquisition as consistent with broader trends in the industry. “Clinically supported branded ingredients are where this industry is heading – proven actives with the science to stand behind them. This expansion puts SuanNutra at the forefront of this transition. The shift from artificial colours and preservatives to natural, scientifically substantiated ingredients is reshaping the food and health industries faster than ever.”