Solina Expands North American Footprint with AFS Acquisition

In a significant move to enhance its operations in North America, Solina, a key player in the global food industry, has successfully acquired Advanced Food Systems, Inc. (AFS). This acquisition represents a strategic maneuver by Solina to broaden its influence and service offerings in the savory food solutions sector.

Strengthening Market Position

This move, finalized upon the signing, not only integrates AFS into Solina USA but also adds a team of 40 skilled professionals, enhancing the company's expertise and operational capabilities. AFS, based in Somerset, New Jersey, is a prominent supplier known for its custom dry seasoning solutions tailored for various food manufacturers. Their extensive experience spans multiple applications, encompassing meat and poultry products, sauces, marinades, and frozen foods.

Anthony Francheterre, CEO of Solina, has expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting the complementary nature of AFS's business strategies and practices with those of Solina. He stated, “AFS blends market insights with culinary expertise and innovation, which is central to supporting our clientele with exceptional value-added services.”

Aims for Broader Reach

This acquisition is particularly noteworthy as it marks Solina's third purchase in the U.S. and the first in the Northeast region. This strategic expansion will enable Solina to strengthen its geographic presence, bringing them closer to a broad customer base in the region. With this acquisition, Solina now operates four sites in the United States, located in California, Illinois, Nevada, and New Jersey.

Michael Marks, President of Solina USA, commented on the enhanced collaboration this will create: “Combining AFS's strengths in product functionality with our flavors allows us to offer our customers a complete range of cost-effective flavor and functional solutions.” This collaboration aims to meet customer needs more effectively, leveraging their combined strengths for improved performance and efficiency in food production.

An Eye on Innovation

Solina is recognized for its dedication to innovation in the food industry. With 43 production sites and numerous research and development centers worldwide, the company leverages culinary expertise to design pioneering food solutions that excel in taste and nutritional value. The integration of AFS is viewed as a pivotal advance in achieving greater value for its customers.

Solina's mission to create food that is beneficial not only for consumers but also for the planet aligns with its strategic investments like the AFS acquisition. The company emphasizes its commitment to developing sustainable ingredient solutions that meet the evolving demands of the food market.

Global Presence

Headquartered in France, Solina boasts more than 4000 employees and operates across 19 countries. The firm serves clients in over 75 countries, and with this acquisition, it aims to further solidify its position in the global market. The company is primarily backed by Astorg, an independent private equity firm, which powers Solina’s growth and expansion strategies.

For those interested in further information or collaboration possibilities, representatives from Solina are available for inquiries. This acquisition is a crucial step in realizing Solina's objectives in North America and enhancing its service offerings significantly within the food industry.

Conclusion

The acquisition of AFS by Solina symbolizes a thoughtful strategy to enhance operational capabilities and market presence within North America. It marks a new chapter for both companies, underscoring the importance of synergy in the food sector. As the industry grows more competitive, collaborations like this will play a crucial role in shaping the future of food solutions globally.