Ingredion acquires starch producer Western Polymer

Ingredients producer Ingredion has acquired US-based potato starch manufacturer Western Polymer for an undisclosed figure.

Washington-headquartered Western Polymer produces native and modified potato starches for food and industrial applications, as well as modified tapioca starches, produced at three manufacturing sites located in the US.

Ingredion claims that the acquisition significantly expands its potato starch production capacity, enhances its processing capabilities and broadens the portfolio and client base of its speciality ingredients portfolio.

Jim Zallie, Ingredion president and chief executive officer, said: “This next phase of growth is consistent with other actions we’ve taken to strengthen our specialities business and deliver long-term value for our shareholders.

“This acquisition expands our higher-value speciality ingredients business, which is central to Ingredion’s growth strategy. We have tremendous respect for the culture and business that Western Polymer has built and we look forward to the future opportunities that we will create together.”

Lynn Townsend-White, president and chief executive officer of Western Polymer, added: “We’re excited to leverage the strengths of Western Polymer and Ingredion to continue developing high-quality ingredients that align with consumer trends and customers’ needs.

“By coming together now, this enables even greater reach for our ingredients and positions the business for continued growth.”