Healthy Food Ingredients (HFI) has acquired Minnesota-based purple-coloured corn maker Suntava Corporation.
The acquisition will mean that the Suntava team will function as a unit of Healthy Foods Ingredients, which produces non-bioengineered, organic, gluten-free and identity-preserved ingredients to domestic as well as international clients from the food and pet food manufacturing and food service industries.
HFI CEO Brad Hover said: "H.F.I. is a quickly-growing company. However, we are purposeful in growing the H.F.I. platform. Like our other brands, SK Food and Hesco, Suntava has a rich history within the food industry and is a natural fit for us. We are pleased to include them in the H.F.I. family."
The natural colorants producer will continue to function under its present name Suntava. The company's proprietary purple corn is sold as a whole kernel, flour, meal, individually quick frozen (I.Q.F.) and freeze-dried fresh purple corn, reported Foodbusinessnews.net.
The purple corn is used in applications such as cereal, snack foods, baked foods, beverages and dietary supplements.
Suntava president Bill Petrich said: "We look forward to continued growth and expansion into new markets under the H.F.I. umbrella and know our customers and consumers will benefit from Suntava's access to a broader grower network, enhanced distribution and a united commitment to the best food safety practices from field to table."
Suntava purple corn is derived from purple corn hybrid, which is grown, handled, harvested, and processed using the same state-of-the-art methods and equipment as that of the conventional corn crops, the company claims.
The purple corn is said to be an abundant source of antioxidants and is a functional requirement for several manufacturers such as functional foods, dietary supplements and cosmeceuticals, the company's website states.
Image: Sunkara's purple corn is used in cereals. Photo: Courtesy of y Tuomas_Lehtinen/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
