Roha Bolsters European Strategy and Natural Extracts Portfolio with Essential Acquisition

15 Dec 2016 --- Colors manufacturer and marketer Roha has taken another step to strengthen its European position.

Roha has acquired Italy-based Essential SRL, a manufacturer of plant and fruit based natural coloring and flavoring ingredients.

Roha says the deal is a strategic shift towards diversification into the fast evolving industry for extracts with significant market potential as awareness about sustainable nature based ingredients grows around the world. 

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, managing director of Roha, Mahesh Tibrewala, says: “It was a tactical move of diversification in the new category as the acquisition promises new avenues in the industry of extracts. The Italian market being the fourth largest food and drinks manufacturer in the European Union only further supported our decision.”

“We are aware of the consumption pattern of food products with potential in the Italian market ranging from organic food to natural derived foods to low fat foods. The acquisition is an endeavor to contribute in catering to these rising consumer demands for natural products.” 

The trend towards clean label products continues to drive the innovation in coloring and flavoring ingredients in Europe and globally and with the acquisition of Essential SRL, Roha aims to be an important player in this fast growing segment of the market.

Founded in Tuscany a decade ago, Essentials has been a driven force in the advancement of extraction technologies and will support Roha in further expansion of its product portfolio and develop natural coloring aromatic products offering the ingredients for clean label foods.

Lorenzo Ceccarelli, chief operating officer Europe adds: “This new strategic move in Italy will help us realize our long term vision of establishing ourselves as the market leader in Europe in our product segment.”

In September Roha expanded its European reach with the opening of operations in Germany as part the company’s strategy to establish itself as a European leader and expand the reach of its products and services across markets like Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany as well as Continental Europe. 

by Gaynor Selby