Danisco expands its business in South Africa

Today, Danisco has signed an agreement for the acquisition of the shares in Innovative Ingredients in Cape Town, South Africa.

Innovative Ingredients is a bakery enzymes formulator, currently providing services to the South African bakery industry at an advanced technological level. The company employs 13 people and operates an efficient blending facility and a bakery laboratory, ensuring regional customers a high level of support and a dedicated development effort.

'The acquisition of Innovative Ingredients will significantly strengthen Danisco's presence in the South African industrial bakery enzymes market that ranks fifth in size worldwide. Based on our cutting-edge research and development, manufacturing capability and unparalleled knowledge of food applications, we continue to enhance our leading position to supply the best tailor-made enzymes to achieve specific food manufacturer goals,' says Lars Obel, Business Director, Food & Beverage Enzymes, Danisco.

'By joining Danisco's enzyme and emulsifier technology with Innovative Ingredients’ local market knowledge as well as competent and technically acclaimed employees, we will create a better platform for developing new products and supporting our growing customer base in this region,' says Lars Obel.

The current group of owners have agreed to stay with the company after the purchase to spearhead the future development in the market.

The agreement is expected to be concluded by mid-August 2007. Subsequently, the intent is to merge Danisco's existing sales office in Cape Town with Innovative Ingredients to create a powerful base for future growth in the area.

About Innovative Ingredients

Founded in 1998 in Cape Town, Innovative Ingredients has in a few years grown to be an important technology provider to the South African baking industry. The special ability of Innovative Ingredients to formulate efficient enzyme products has given the company a leading role in the industry. Innovative Ingredients employs highly skilled industry specialists as a prerequisite for its success in the bakery market.