Boosting natural colors: Givaudan completes acquisition of DDW, The Color House

10 Dec 2021 --- Givaudan has completed its acquisition of DDW, the Color House, a US-based natural color company, previously announced in October. The acquisition strengthens the Swiss flavor manufacturer’s position as a key global player in natural colors.

No financial details of the deal have been disclosed.

Aside from propelling Givaudan’s credentials in natural colors and making it the number two global player in the space, the acquisition is expected to see the company diversify its color portfolio and elevate food experiences through taste solutions. 

DDW’s products portfolio provides an extension to Givaudan’s current footprint. 

Pioneer in natural colors
“We are confident that our complementary portfolio and capabilities will deliver a compelling, valuable proposition to our customers across segments and in key markets, enabling us to co-create multisensorial food experiences consumers love,” says Louie D’Amico, president of Taste & Wellbeing at Givaudan.Givaudan forecasts this deal will help to build a worldwide natural color platform and strengthen the company’s ability to create multi-sensorial food experiences.

Givaudan forecasts a bright future with this deal helping to build a worldwide natural color platform and strengthen the company’s ability to create multi-sensorial food experiences.

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, US, DDW is a privately-held company in the natural color industry, with 12 manufacturing facilities worldwide and 315 associates. 

Founded in 1865, the company has developed a strong market position from its origins in the brewing industry through its market-leading capabilities in caramel colors. For the last 20 years, it has had a strong focus on natural colors for the food and beverage industry.

Synergies and benefits
DDW’s CEO and president Elaine Gravatte described the move as a “new chapter.” 

“Our associates and our customers will quickly experience the benefits as we combine our strengths and capabilities. We look forward to exploring many new opportunities for growth and success in the natural color market,” she underscores. 

Givaudan debt funded the transaction. DDW’s business would have represented approximately US$140 million of incremental sales to Givaudan’s results in 2020 on a proforma basis, according to Givaudan.

Edited by Gaynor Selby