French leader in functional ingredients Nexira announced the acquisition of Swiss company UNIPEKTIN Ingredients AG, a specialist in natural hydrocolloids and premium ingredients derived from locust bean gum.

Nexira was founded in 1895 as an importer and exporter of natural raw materials mainly sourced in Africa. Over the following decades, the company specialised in natural texturizers for the food and pharmaceutical industries, becoming a global provider of acacia gum ingredients. 

With this new acquisition, Nexira expands its portfolio of products to locust bean gum, a vegetable gum extracted from the seeds of the carob tree. 

Locust bean gum is highly functional. It works as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, gelling agent, texturiser, and it’s also clean label. Food manufacturers use locust bean gum in sweet and savoury foods from chocolate substitutes to cream cheese, and also in pet food. The market for this ingredient is booming, and prices have spiked while supply cannot keep up with demand. 

“This acquisition consolidates our position as a key player in natural plant-based ingredients – a dynamic market that caters to consumers seeking new sensory experiences and plant-based, natural, sustainably produced alternatives,” says Olivier Houalla, Nexira Managing Director. 

Nexira operates in 5 continents and in more than 80 countries with companies in the USA (celebrating 40 years in December), Mexico, Brazil, India, China, Japan, Singapore, France, and Africa. In 2021, the company had a record turnover of more than €130m, 90% of which came from exports.

UNIPEKTIN’s portfolio also includes ingredients based on tara gum, hydrolysed guar gum, and beet fibre. “This is an excellent opportunity to provide UNIPEKTIN Ingredients AG with enhanced international exposure, highly skilled customer service, and expanded recognition for reliable sourcing,” comments Robert Ackermann, member of the board of directors of UNIPEKTIN Ingredients AG. 

“After a successful diversification, providing a wide range of premium and branded botanical extracts to the health and nutrition markets, we are affirming our external growth strategy with this acquisition,” says Mathieu Dondain, Nexira General Manager.

The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

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