USA – Flour-milling and ingredient company, Ardent Mills has entered into an agreement to acquire Andean Naturals’ quinoa sourcing, cleaning and packaging operation in, California, US for an undisclosed sum.
Based in Yuba City, California – where it operates its US ancient grains facility – Andean Naturals is a leading importer and wholesaler of quinoa and a champion of the traditional quinoa growers of Bolivia’s Altiplan. Its quinoa refining facility is in La Paz, Bolivia.
Ardent Mills said that the acquisition is part of the company’s strategy of further investing in specialty grain capabilities and The Annex by Ardent Mills – the company’s specialty grains and plant-based ingredients business.
The purchase is expected to be finalized in mid-February 2020 after which Andean Naturals’ President and Founder Sergio Nunez de Arco will join Ardent Mills.
“For Andean Naturals, this mutually beneficial acquisition is the natural progression of our mission to share quinoa with the world,” said Nunez de Arco.
”While we’ve built expertise in quinoa sourcing and connections to South American farmers, Ardent Mills brings milling and technical expertise, access to markets and the ability to scale quickly with a sustainable approach.
“Our team is excited to be a part of Ardent Mills, offering a similar values-based culture and solid vision for growth.”
Yuba City will be Ardent Mills’ first gluten-free sourcing and cleaning facility with the ability to expand to additional grains.
This deal comes shortly after the acquisition of an organic grain elevator in Klamath Falls, Oregon, the Colorado Quinoa exclusivity partnership as well as the Denver RiNo investment to clean and pack specialty grains.
Dan Dye, CEO of Ardent Mills said that these strategic investments will enable the company to meet the rapidly changing consumers’ appetite.
“As a result, we are making proactive investments in The Annex to meet consumer demand for high-quality, nutritious grains and other sources of plant-based ingredients,” Dan said.
“With this acquisition, we will be able to offer a complete solution for quinoa and other gluten-free ingredients.”
Shrene White, General Manager of The Annex added: “In The Annex, we are proud to offer ingredients from passionate, knowledgeable farmers, and this purchase continues that tradition.
“This company is a longtime leader in quinoa sourcing, cleaning and packing in North America with extensive industry knowledge, grower relationships and a fantastic reputation.
“This acquisition further supports our commitment to what’s next in grain and plant-based innovation.”
