Givaudan completes acquisition of DDW, The Color House

Aligned with its 2025 strategy to expand the portfolio of its global Taste & Wellbeing business, Givaudan has announced its completion in the acquisition of DDW, the Color House, a US based natural colour company. The acquisition enables Givaudan to become the number two global player in natural colours.

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, DDW is a leading privately-held company in the natural colour industry, with 12 manufacturing facilities around the world and 315 associates. Founded in 1865, the company has developed a strong market position from its origins in the brewing industry through its market leading capabilities in caramel colours and for the last 20 years having a strong focus on natural colours for the food and beverage industry.

Louie D’Amico, president of Taste & Wellbeing at Givaudan said: “Today is an exciting day as we welcome DDW associates to the Givaudan family. The acquisition of DDW further strengthens our leadership position in the colour business globally. We are confident that our complementary portfolio and capabilities will deliver a compelling valuable proposition to our customers across segments and in key markets, enabling us to co-create multisensorial food experiences consumers love”.

“We are thrilled to begin this new chapter as a part of Givaudan,” said DDW’s CEO and President Elaine Gravatte. “Our associates and our customers will quickly experience the benefits as we combine our strengths and capabilities. We look forward to exploring many new opportunities for growth and success in the natural colour market.

The terms of the deal have not been disclosed and Givaudan debt funded the transaction. DDW’s business would have represented approximately USD 140 million of incremental sales to Givaudan’s results in 2020 on a proforma basis.

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