Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM), Chicago, said it reached an agreement to acquire Rodelle Inc., Fort Collins, Colo., an originator, processor and supplier of vanilla products.
Rodelle’s supply chain is unique among major vanilla processors, ADM said. In Madagascar, the company owns a stake in Federation Sahanala Vanille — a joint venture between Rodelle and a partnership of local associations that now includes more than 2,100 registered vanilla farmers — and is capable of producing large volumes of certified organic vanilla. Rodelle also has a strategic partnership with Gourmet Gardens, providing sourcing of vanilla in Uganda.
“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 flavor industry,” said Scott Olstad, president of ADM’s North American Wild Flavors business. “Not only is vanilla one of the most popular and enduring flavors, but Rodelle’s integrated supply chain will allow us to offer an unparalleled range of certified organic and natural vanilla ingredients. 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.”
Rodelle has about 70 full-time employees. The company operates a 65,000-square-foot extraction and processing facility in Fort Collins. The plant was built in 2008 and expanded in 2014, and includes labs for testing and research and development, ADM said.
ADM said it anticipates completing the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, in the third quarter.