October 8, 2015

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has announced it has agreed to acquire the privately held, natural and organic flavors company, Eatem Foods, which is backed by Linsalata Capital Partners, for an undisclosed amount.  

Founded in 1983 and based in Vineland, New Jersey, Eatem Foods develops and produces premium, natural and organic savory flavor systems. Historically, the company’s revenues have been approximately $40 million per year.

ADM has moved on multiple fronts to develop from an ingredient supplier to “a complete solutions provider by systematically building and acquiring capabilities to meet a wide range of customer needs,” according to Vince Macciocchi, president of ADM’s WILD Flavors and Specialty Ingredients unit.  

In 2014, the group acquired Specialty Commodities Inc., giving it a hand in the increasingly popular ancient grains space and enhancing its nut and seed offerings, and most recently, announced its new state-of-the-art flavors lab and innovation center in Cranbury, New Jersey. With the addition of Eatem Foods, ADM will be able to expand into the savory flavors segment, given the company’s culinary and technical expertise.

“Eatem’s products and capabilities align exceptionally well with consumer preferences for healthier foods, clean labels, ethnic cuisines and natural flavors,” added Macciocchi. “And, their expertise in flavors complements WILD’s strengths. This exciting addition for ADM will allow us to broaden our capabilities in the important foodservice and private brand channels…This is a perfect example of how ADM is executing on our plan to deliver value for our shareholders by targeting—and delivering on—profitable bolt-on growth opportunities.”