Ardent Mills is acquiring Andean Naturals’ quinoa sourcing, cleaning and packaging operation in Yuba City, California to further advance its ingredient company into specialty grain production.
The new business will be held under The Annex, which is Ardent Mills’ specialty grain and plant-based ingredient unit. The subsidiary produces ancient, heirloom, and organic grains, flours, sprouted wheat and chickpeas.
“Our industry is rapidly changing as consumers’ appetite for variety in their diets continues to increase,” said Dan Dye, CEO of Ardent Mills. “As a result, we are making proactive investments in The Annex to meet consumer demand for high-quality, nutritious grains and other sources of plant-based ingredients. With this acquisition, we will be able to offer a complete solution for quinoa and other gluten-free ingredients.”
The new processing facility in Yuba will make for Ardent Mills’ first gluten-free sourcing and cleaning facility and will help the company increase its grain portfolio as consumers start to move towards whole grains as opposed to traditional flour.
Its vision to move away from conventional flour started last year when Ardent acquired a grain elevator in Oregon to help support local growers in the Pacific Northwest. It also formed an exclusive partnership with Colorado Quinoa to clean, mill and market quinoa grown in the state as well as Denver RiNo to clean and pack specialty grain.
“In The Annex, we are proud to offer ingredients from passionate, knowledgeable farmers, and this purchase continues that tradition,” added Shrene White, general manager of The Annex. “This company is a longtime leader in quinoa sourcing, cleaning and packing in North America with extensive industry knowledge, grower relationships and a fantastic reputation. This acquisition further supports our commitment to what’s next in grain and plant-based innovation.”
The deal is expected to be completed by the middle of the month. So far no financial details have been disclosed.
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