Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) has reached an agreement to acquire Rodelle Inc., a premium originator, processor and supplier of vanilla products. The acquisition will see ADM’s vanilla capabilities expand and it also includes an equity stake in farmer cooperative in Madagascar, part of the most extensive vertically integrated supply chain in the vanilla industry.

Rodelle, based in Fort Collins/Colorado, originates, processes and sells premium vanilla ingredients and products, including organic and traditional extracts, beans, alcohol-free flavours and pastes. The company also sells non-vanilla products, including flavourings, extracts, spice blends and organic spices. Rodelle provides ingredient solutions to food and beverage makers, as well as directly to consumers, with a premium retail brand that can be found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores in North America. The company’s sales last year were approximately USD 40 m.

“With the acquisition of Rodelle, we are continuing to grow our value chain by enhancing what is already one of the most comprehensive portfolios in the flavour industry,” says Scott Olstad, President of ADM’s North American Wild Flavours business. “Not only is vanilla one of the most popular and enduring flavours, but Rodelle’s integrated supply chain will allow us to offer an unparalleled range of certified organic and natural vanilla ingredients for today’s health-conscious consumers. The addition of Rodelle will give us immediate capabilities in both the retail and commercial vanilla markets, and we see significant opportunities to expand the business”.