ADM Acquires Rodelle Expands Vanilla Capabilities
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Rodelle Inc., a premium originator, processor, and supplier of vanilla products.
Rodelle, founded in 1936 and based in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, originates, processes and sells premium vanilla products, including organic and traditional extracts, beans, alcohol-free flavor and paste. The company also sells non-vanilla products, including flavorings, extracts, spice blends and organic spices. Rodelle provides ingredient solutions to major food and beverage makers, as well as directly to consumers. The company’s sales last year were approximately USD40m.
In Madagascar, Rodelle 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 industry-leading volumes of certified organic vanilla. Rodelle also has a strategic partnership with Gourmet Gardens, providing sourcing of vanilla in Uganda. By removing the third parties that are typical in other vanilla processor supply chains, Rodelle is able to offer competitive pricing and a reliable supply.
“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 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. We’re looking forward to working with the great Rodelle team to help build on their impressive success.”
Rodelle has about 70 full-time employees. The company operates a 65,000-sqft extraction and processing facility in Fort Collins; the modern plant was built in 2008 and expanded in 2014 and includes labs for testing and R&D.
Photo source: freshaprilflours.com