NETHERLANDS – Barentz International B.V., a leading supplier of ingredients for the food and nutrition industry has formed a joint venture with the Dutch family business, TasteStrik.

The joint venture supports Barentz’ strategy of offering the broadest portfolio of quality ingredients in the life sciences industries.

Both companies look to benefit from collaborative expertise in developing new ideas and innovative solutions for food and beverage manufacturers in the European market.

Barentz brings in international capabilities in distributing high-quality ingredients for the food, nutrition, pharmaceuticals, personal care and animal nutrition segment.

Established in 1991 in Eemnes, the Netherlands, TasteStrik produces and supplies high-quality flavourings and ingredients for the bakery, cereal, chocolate, confectionery, culinary, dairy and specialty foods industry.

“This is a promising joint venture, where both parties will immediately benefit from each other’s strengths,” said Robert Strik, managing director of TasteStrik©.

“For TasteStrik©, and for me personally, the customer-centred and entrepreneurial spirit of Barentz are of decisive importance.

“We are a family business with an extraordinary passion for taste. We see the same attitude at Barentz, along with the shared will to always strive for better solutions.”

Barentz said the joint venture will give it a higher diversity of sources to deliver solutions for taste concepts, while offering TasteStrik the knowledge of Barentz’s global network.

Following the completion of the transaction, TasteStrik managing director Robert Strik will continue to lead the company.

“This is where we bundle all expertise and skills we have throughout our organization to devise and implement innovative and suitable solutions,” said Barentz’ CEO Hidde van der Wal.

“TasteStrik©’s sophisticated application lab in Eemnes (the Netherlands) will be a valuable addition to our global network of 15 labs with 50 food engineers.

“We do indeed share a similar corporate culture, and Robert Strik will continue to lead TasteStrik© as its managing director, thus ensuring continuity.”

Last year, Barentz formed a Brazilian joint venture with Brazilian ingredients distributor, Tovani Benzaquen, expanding its presence in Latin America.

The company recently acquired Finland-based Casmo Oy, a specialized distributor of casings, smoke condensates and flavors for the meat industry.