Puratos teams up with Estonian Malt to create joint venture

Bakery group Puratos has partnered with Estonian Malt to launch a new joint venture under the name Puratos Malt, after six years of collaboration.

The newly formed alliance will produce and distribute malt flours and sprouted grains to the bakery, food service and food manufacturing industries.

Belgium-headquartered Puratos offers a full range of products, raw materials and application expertise to the bakery, patisserie and chocolate sectors to over 100 countries around the world through its network of local subsidiaries.

Estonian Malt claims to adopt a different approach to sprouted wholegrain: by fermenting the grains after they have sprouted, the firm creates a natural sweet taste and prolongs the freshness of the bread.

The joint venture aims to combine Puratos’ business insights and distribution network, with Estonian Malt’s expertise in sprouted and fermented wholegrains.

By joining forces, the two companies aim to optimise production processes, work on improving packaging and shelf-life, as well as developing new product ranges.

Julia Darvill

General manager of Puratos UK Julia Darvill said: “Puratos is committed to delivering healthier solutions across all product categories and this new venture with Estonian Malt is very much part of that strategy.

“We know from our recent Taste Tomorrow survey that consumers believe healthy eating is just as much about eliminating unhealthy ingredients as it is about adding wholesome ones. This joint venture is focused on delivering products with the highest possible nutritional value, as well as great taste.”

The partnership follows the strategic acquisition of Sandel Foods by Puratos Canada earlier this month.