Agrana acquires starch distributor Marroquin Organic

Austrian ingredients producer Agrana has acquired organic distribution company Marroquin Organic International to expand its distribution activities in its starch segment.

The deal includes 100% shares in the US company, which is a long-standing distribution partner of Agrana Stärke-GmbH, the operating company of Agrana’s starch division. 

Based in Santa Cruz, California, Marroquin Organic has 29 years of experience supplying organic and non-GMO ingredients and according to Agrana has recorded an annual revenue of over $20 million.

“Marroquin Organic International is a pioneer in the organic and non-GMO food ingredient sector in the USA and enjoys a correspondingly high reputation in the market,” said Agrana CEO Johann Marihart.  

In its starch segment, Agrana processes potatoes, corn and wheat to make numerous different starch products for the food industry, for example in the baking and confectionery sectors.  

Agrana operates three starch mills in Austria and a production site in both Hungary and Romania. As part of its speciality strategy, the company offers a wide range of non-GMO and organic products.

Marihart added: “This acquisition is a perfect fit in terms of implementing our specialities strategy in the starch segment. Agrana possesses many years of experience in the production of specialty starches and is increasingly focusing on baby food and clean label starches which have not been chemically modified.”

Grace Marroquin, founder of Marroquin Organic International: “Teaming up with Agrana is a natural choice for us. We’ve been working with their outstanding product line for over 20 years, helping the industry to grow and innovate. Agrana is well-positioned to support the organic and non-GMO market as it continues to grow in North America”.

Earlier this month, Agrana announced that it will invest €3.4 million in research and development sites for its fruit, starch and sugar businesses in France and Austria. A portion of this funding will be used to focus on the development of organic and clean-label products in its starch segment.