Stratum Nutrition Adds Carotenoids to Portfolio

ST. CHARLES, Mo. Stratum Nutrition announced that its parent company, Novus International, Inc., acquired the IQF Group, a manufacturer of carotenoids for foods, beverages and supplements. Stratum will acquire some of these carotenoids.

"We are very excited about the addition of IQF's products and capabilities," said Jeremy Moore, Director of Marketing for Stratum. "Our strategy is to offer both functional ingredients, like carotenoids and minerals, for fortification and general health, as well as specialty ingredients, like Nem and Artinia, to address condition-specific needs."

IQF's current portfolio of food ingredients consists of Betacol, a nature-identical beta-carotene, Canthacol canthaxanthin, and Lutecol, a natural lutein product. Stratum will keep these brands in place as they merge into the existing functional ingredient side of the portfolio.

In addition to new products, the acquisition will expand the global reach of Stratum and its presence in foods and beverages. "IQF brings with it a strong base of business in Europe and Asia, primarily in foods and beverages, Moore stated. This complements our efforts over the last several months, which have been targeted mainly toward the supplement industry in North America and Europe."