Oterra will acquire the Akay Group based in India. The acquistion of the natural ingredients manufacturer shall increase Akay’s producing and R&D capabilities as well as the possibility to get natural colors.

Akay, leader in dietry supplement industries and natural colours, was founded in 1995 and now owns four factories in southern India, occupies more than 400 employees and serves more than 40 different countries.

“Akay is a great strategic match for Oterra,” said Cees de Jong, chairman of Oterra. “It adds to Oterra’s best-known core-strength — natural colors, and its portfolio of nutraceutical products complements Oterra’s existing portfolio of products for natural dietary supplements. The demand for all-natural products in this market is on the rise — and so is Oterra.”

In 1995, Oterra, known as Chr. Hansen Natural Colors at that time, created a joint venture with Akay to produce natural colours out of tumeric and paprika. Twelve years later, Akay started to be Oterra’s key supplier.

“We’re very happy to join the Oterra family,” said Balu Maliakel, Ph.D., managing director of Akay. “We have a fond shared history, that has left a significant imprint on our business understanding and culture, and we share many of the same values. I am very confident that Oterra’s innovative mindset will bring great value to Akay’s customers. In many ways, this is like a homecoming for us.”

There haven’t been disclosed any financial details of the deal.

“In recent years, Akay has successfully transitioned from a pure colors and flavors business to a leading science-backed botanical ingredients business,” said Odd Erik Hansen, chief executive officer of Oterra. “We both believe in bringing the best of nature to the world, and we’re happy to welcome the team at Akay to Oterra. We look forward to working together to serve our customers in the future.”

After aquiring Diana Foods from Symrise AG in September 2021 and its first US-based company in January 2022, this was Oterra’s fourth acquisition in 14 months.

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