Bluestar Adisseo, part of China’s National Bluestar Group, has acquired Belgian feed additives producer Nutriad for an undisclosed sum. Adisseo said the acquisition is part of its strategy to become one of the world’s leaders for supplying specialty additives used in animal nutrition.

Nutriad’s portfolio includes additives for palatability, mycotoxin management and digestive performance for poultry and swine, as well as for aquaculture, dairy and cattle.

Adisseo said it is convinced that the merger is a highly attractive opportunity for both parties to build a strong global franchise that leverages its complementary strengths. “The acquisition of Nutriad supports our ambition for accelerating growth of our specialties business to address our customer’s needs,” said Adisseo’s CEO, Jean-Marc Dublanc, who added that the group would have combined sales in more than 100 countries.

Nutriad has 4 application laboratories in Belgium, UK and USA, as well as five manufacturing facilities around the world.

Just days before the Adisseo merger was announced, Nutriad revealed that it had acquired a 45% stake in its Chinese partner, Feed Flavour International (FFI), giving it full control of the Nantong-based company, which produces and markets a range of palatability additives. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Nutriad said China has continuously increased its commercial feed production during the past decades, reaching an estimated volume of 200 million t/y. The company said there is growing demand for protein in China, which is home to the world’s largest population. As a result, the market is providing opportunities for products that target feed & food safety, gut health, preservation and feed intake.