FMC Corporation has announced that it has acquired Phytone Ltd., a natural colors producer based in the United Kingdom. Phytone’s natural products and formulations are used by global customers in the food, beverage, personal care and nutrition sectors.
 
Pierre Brondeau, president, CEO and chairman, FMC Corporation said the acquisition is a key part of the company’s commitment to grow its new natural colors portfolio. “We expect the high-growth, natural colors market to reach well over $1 billion by 2015,” he said. “The addition of Phytone’s unique color technology, coupled with our acquisition last year of Chilean-based South Pole Biogroup, greatly strengthens our position in this exciting market.”
 
There is a growing demand from consumers that favor natural ingredients from renewable and sustainable sources, according to Mike Smith, division manager, FMC BioPolymer. Consumer product goods companies are seeking reliable sources of natural ingredients with consistent functionality, including natural colors, to meet their product development needs. 
 
“Phytone further expands FMC’s natural colors capabilities and augments FMC BioPolymer’s industry leading, naturally sourced specialty ingredients that are used across food, pharmaceutical and personal care markets for texture, binding, stabilization and appearance,” said Mr. Smith. “[Phytone] brings more than 20 years of leadership and deep experience in the natural colors and nutraceuticals industry, and will extend FMC’s natural color formulation and processing capabilities.”
 
Phytone’s manufacturing, development labs and headquarters office are located in Staffordshire, U.K.  Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.