Ingredient supply venture from RFI, Hauser

Two US companies, RFI and Hauser, have joined forces to supply dietary supplement and functional food ingredients to the nutraceuticals industry, combining the functional food expertise of RFI with Hauser's knowledge of the supplements industry.

The companies said that combining their strengths - antioxidants, anti-microbials, natural preservatives and natural colours and extracts from RFI and herbal extracts and nutritional supplements from Hauser - would allow them to offer a diverse product line of proprietary, science-based ingredients to the entire nutraceuticals industry, with emphasis on the growing functional food segment within the dietary supplement business.

Jeff Wuagneux, RFI's chief executive, said: "With the changing industry dynamic, our goal is to offer a fully vertically integrated resource to a customer base that includes both dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers. We are going forward together so we can offer the broadest range of science-based natural ingredients, including custom blends, to the industry."​

Dieter Luelsdorf, vice president of Hauser, added: "Our vision is to bring the two companies closer together in the supply of the global market. By focusing on the respective strengths of each company, we offer our customers the convenience of one stop shopping for a variety of nutritional ingredients."​

The joint venture will begin operating immediately, and the two companies plan to co-exhibit at the upcoming Supply Side East trade show on 6-8 May in New Jersey.