Cork-based Carbery Group has announced that it has acquired Brazilian flavours and ingredients manufacturer Solutaste.

The purchase marks the second acquisition move of Carbery’s taste wing, named Synergy, in South America.

The group has facilities in eight locations globally, including Ireland, the US, the UK, Brazil, Italy, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, selling into over 50 markets.

Carbery CEO Jason Hawkins said that the acquisition follows on from the company gaining a presence in Brazil in 2007 and building on this with a 2012 purchase.

“The rapid growth of that business and strength of the market has driven continued investment and expansion,” Hawkins commented.

“We have an outstanding team in place to deliver on this potential and we are excited to expand our flavour and ingredients footprint in Brazil and in the wider South American region.”

The CEO stated that the purchase of Solutaste will allow Carbery to enhance its offering to both new and existing customers in the region.

Diversification

“Carbery’s model is built on partnership, diversification and the continuous infusion of new talent and ideas across all the regions and sectors we operate in.”

Managing director of Synergy Flavours Brazil Paulo Reis welcomed Carbery’s newly expansion in the country.

“With this partnership, we are excited to strengthen our presence in Brazil, expand our portfolio of solutions and gain even more agility to serve our customers and partners,” he said.

“With our new facility also due to complete in 2026, we look forward to more success ahead.”

Carbery chair Vincent O’Donovan said that the group’s shareholders have “continuously supported the investment and ambition to grow and diversify our company”.

O’Donovan labelled these growth and diversification moves as “essential” to securing futures for the farm families that form the “backbone of our co-operative organisation”.