Solina has embarked on an acquisition journey over the past few years, aiming to enhance its operations in North America to align with the company’s dry and liquid solution offerings in Europe. The manufacturer’s flavorings are integral to various products, including meat, snacks, ready-made meals, and alternative proteins. Since 2021, Solina has completed four acquisitions in the U.S. and has also acquired producers in Canada. Notably, in 2022, Solina acquired Smithfield’s seasoning business, Saratoga Food Specialties, for $587 million. This acquisition, along with the purchase of AFS, bolstered Solina’s presence on the East Coast, while Sokol’s proximity to the company’s existing site in Bolingbrook, Illinois, enables the establishment of a “central distribution point in the Midwest.” Currently, Solina operates five facilities in the U.S., including two in Illinois, along with locations in California, Nevada, and New Jersey.
In addition to geographical expansion, Solina is keen on enhancing its commercial offerings. The acquisition of Sokol allows the company to strengthen its presence in sweet sauces. Despite its rapid growth, Solina has recently scaled back its U.S. operations due to the pressures of high input costs on margins. Approximately three years after acquiring the Wisconsin-based spice company Asenzya, Solina announced in October its decision to close the brand’s seasoning manufacturing plant in Oak Creek.
Anthony Francheterre, CEO of Solina, stated that the acquisitions of AFS and Sokol will ultimately help transform the company into a “comprehensive one-stop shop for customized dry and liquid flavour solutions.” “With these acquisitions, we are diversifying our product capabilities beyond savoury solutions, reinforcing our ambition to grow alongside customers across multiple markets and channels,” Francheterre added. Furthermore, as Solina broadens its portfolio, it also aims to incorporate popular products like the best calcium citrate chews into its offerings, enhancing its appeal in various health-conscious segments. This strategic direction reflects Solina’s commitment to innovation and meeting diverse consumer needs in the evolving food landscape.