Capitalizing on caramel: Nactarome expands clean label portfolio with Royal Buisman acquisition

08 May 2023 --- Nactarome has acquired Royal Buisman, a producer of natural and clean label caramel ingredients with a broad application and functionality expertise across F&B categories. The move also creates a presence in the Netherlands for the company and increases its product offerings at a time when consumers are seeking trustworthy and cost-efficient ingredients.

Royal Buisman has a portfolio of dry powder and liquid caramel solutions, providing its customers with differentiating flavoring, coloring and texture solutions.

Commenting on the acquisition, Luigi Del Monaco, CEO of Nactarome, says the purchase will increase Nacatarome’s caramel product offerings and access to a large customer base.

“Opportunities for collaboration and cross-selling are extremely high, especially in the bakery, ice cream and hot beverages segments,” he notes.

Rothschild & Co acted as sole financial advisor to Nactarome, Ernst & Young as financial and tax advisors, Van Campen Liem as legal advisors, and WSP as environmental advisors.

“We are thrilled to announce our recent acquisition of Royal Buisman and welcome the talented team and strong clean label products into our organization. This strategic move aligns with Nactarome long-term growth goals and strengthens our position in the market,” adds Del Monaco.

Caramel cravings
Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, Del Monaco explains how the demand for caramel is significant in the industry right now. 

Royal Buisman boasts a unique portfolio of dry powder and liquid caramel solutions.“Caramel appeals to clean label trends and caramelized sugars often improve the visual appeal of any food and beverage product,” he notes. “Moreover, caramelized sugars can replace other ingredients by cost-efficiently adding specific and appealing flavor notes, further bolstering recipe optimization.”

“Caramel sugars also bring naturally rich flavors and can intensify or balance the flavor profile of a wide range of food and beverages.”

For years, caramel has hit the sweet spot in the flavors world for several reasons, Del Monaco highlights. “It is a well-loved flavor across all generations. It can bring a premium feel depending on the profile or color shade,” he says.

Caramel can offer comfort and indulgence or even evoke childhood memories. In anxious times, familiar flavors remain popular. 

The ingredient can also offer a vast range of flavor signatures and color shades. Caramel flavors pair well with a vast array of sweet and savory products. It is a flavor enhancer that flavors everything from chocolate to hot beverages and beer. 

Powering up business 
Nactarome provides a comprehensive portfolio of all-in-one natural flavorings, extracts, colorings and functional ingredients to the global F&B industry. The group has grown exponentially in the last five years, comprising 12 production sites and over 550 employees.

Royal Buisman will complement Nactarome’s portfolio, increasing geographical diversification and blue-chip customer exposure. Royal Buisman has many international blue chip customers across Benelux, Europe, South East Asia and North America. 

Robert Hoopman, CEO of Royal Buisman, adds: “Our management team sees huge potential in joining the Nactarome group to create a leading natural ingredients company. The combined business offers a great opportunity to pursue attractive synergies by creating innovative flavor and color solutions to benefit customers across international food markets.”

Earlier this year, Thai-China Flavours and Fragrances Industry formed a new strategic partnership agreement with Nactarome. Nactarome is focused on providing a comprehensive portfolio of all-in-one natural flavorings, extracts and functional ingredients to the global F&B industry. 

By Elizabeth Green