LAKE MARY, FL, July 12, 2023 — Florida Food Products (FFP), a leader in clean label food and beverage ingredient solutions, recently presented a tech talk during the American Meat Science Association’s (AMSA) 76th Reciprocal Meat Conference (RMC), held June 24-28, 2023, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Jason Reicks, V.P. of Market Development, Performance Ingredients at FFP, presented a session on FFP’s new natural antimicrobial product, VegStable^® Secure. In the tech talk, Reicks addressed how VegStable^® Secure demonstrates strong performance in controlling pathogens like Listeria and extending shelf life, without compromising on functionality or taste.“At FFP, we are proud to provide solutions that enable the meat industry to keep foods safe and secure naturally with the power of plants,” said Reicks. “Our VegStable^® Natural Cure products are minimally processed, all-natural powders that eliminate the need for synthetic processed meat ingredients. This tech talk addresses the consumer demand for cleaner labels and explains how VegStable^® Secure offers many benefits including extended shelf life and improved food safety, a clean flavor profile with no sensory impact, and a consumer-preferred, clean label replacement for synthetic antimicrobials.”

Experience how FFP can provide solutions to your ingredient and flavor needs. Try our menu of food and beverage Reicks offered formulators key highlights, including:

• Overview of the growing demand for cleaner labels and natural ingredients 
• FFP’s natural antimicrobial solution, VegStable^® Secure, and the natural protection against pathogens and spoilage it offers manufacturers

“It is now possible for brands to naturally protect a variety of foods from pathogens and spoilage,” added Reicks. “We hope this tech talk will inspire meat processors to ditch undesirable ingredients so they can meet consumer demands and create a new generation of clean label meats.”

FFP helps improve the food, beverages, and supplements we consume by producing real ingredients from nature that work. To discover more about how FFP’s innovative research and product development capabilities deliver uniquely natural, functional, and plant-based ingredients to customers across a variety of industries to provide real solutions, please visit http://floridafood.com.

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About FFP

Florida Food Products, Inc. (FFP) has offered a portfolio of healthy, naturally sourced plant-based food and beverage ingredient solutions for over 65 years. Headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida, FFP has manufacturing capabilities including extraction, fermentation, drying, and blending technologies, with facilities in Florida, New York, New Jersey, Indiana, Oregon, and California. FFP is committed to providing innovative clean label solutions that provide exceptional food protection, flavor, color, texture, and yield improvement for a variety of applications, including processed and cured meat, beverages, plant-based, health and wellness, culinary, and pet nutrition. FFP believes in improving the food and beverages we eat and drink with ingredients from nature that work. Learn more about how FFP’s natural ingredients can help elevate your next food or beverage while meeting the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s consumer at www.floridafood.com.

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“Taste the Trend” with FFP menu of clean label concepts

LAKE MARY, FL, July 13, 2023 — Florida Food Products (FFP), a leader in clean label food and beverage ingredient solutions, is showcasing its portfolio of functional and innovative ingredients at the Institute of Food Technologists 2023 Annual Meeting and Exposition (IFT23), July 17-19, at McCormick Place in Chicago. Expo attendees who visit FFP booth #S0400 can ‘Taste the Trend’ with a sampling menu that includes the latest clean label concepts created especially for the show. FFP is committed to providing innovative clean label solutions and offers a portfolio of ingredients that naturally provides exceptional food protection, flavor, color, and texture for a variety of applications.

“Our team is excited to meet with IFT attendees and discuss how FFP’s innovative ingredient portfolio can help the industry create a new generation of delicious clean label products that today’s consumers demand,” said Nina Hughes, VP Marketing, FFP. “Our portfolio has expanded significantly since FFP’s acquisition of Javo Beverages, a natural extractor of clean label coffee, tea, and botanicals with a focus on beverage applications. The addition of Javo allows us to deliver best-in-class, clean label solutions. We also recently launched VegStable^® Secure, a new natural ingredient solution, which harnesses the power of plants to eliminate the need for synthetic ingredients used to protect and enhance a variety of meat and poultry products. And our high-potency, natural ingredients from our human nutrition portfolio offer functional benefits such as clean energy to help consumers embrace better health and wellness.”

“Taste the Trend” at IFT booth #S0400 and experience how FFP ingredient solutions address protection, performance, and flavor needs for food and beverage products. FFP’s menu of food and beverage innovations created for IFT23 include:

• Cold Brew Soft Serve — Treat yourself to Javo’s Cold Brew Soft Serve, and don’t forget to drizzle FFP’s Orange Blossom-Flavored Caramel Sauce or Speculoos Spiced Biscuit-Flavored Chocolate Sauce for an extra sweet treat!
• Lavender Cold Brew — Get focused with Javo’s naturally derived and certified clean label Lavender-Flavored Cold Brew. Javo’s extracts offer superior quality and a clean label with a premium taste that meets the rising demand for high-quality cold brew beverages.
• Nitro Coffee — Rejuvenate with Javo’s Nitro Coffee, cold brewed coffee infused with nitrogen gas that offers a perfect balance of taste and creamy mouthfeel.
• Watermelon Basil White Tea Mocktail — Cheers to IFT! Try this refreshing mocktail and get inspired for your next happy hour!
• Fermented Carrot Passion Fruit Chamomile Beverage with L-theanine — Refreshing and clean, this beverage contains L-theanine, a nootropic gaining popularity for its ability to increase mental focus without the negative effects of caffeine.
• Cascara and Apple Cinnamon Beverage — Cascara, the coffee cherry, provides a bright and fruity flavor and is high in flavonoids and fiber.
• Chicken Breast — This chicken breast delivers a more tender, flavorful, and juicy bite with FFP’s VegStable^® Plus rice bran extract, an all-natural alternative to synthetic phosphates.
• Deli Turkey Breast — This deli meat staple features VegStable^® Secure, FFP’s new and completely natural antimicrobial solution. By harnessing the goodness of nature, VegStable^® Secure naturally protects foods from spoilage and pathogens without compromising flavor or functionality.
• Summer Sausage — An FFP classic, this tasty sausage features VegStable^® Natural Cure, VegStable^® Plus, and VegStable^® Fresh plant-based products for natural protection, and improved texture and flavor.
• Pepperoni — Control oxidation and protect your product without relying on chemicals. This pepperoni features VegStable^® Natural Cure and VegStable^® Fresh that act as natural antioxidants, improving shelf life and maintaining fresh color and flavor.

Hughes added, “We look forward to attendees trying our latest prototypes that include nature’s finest ingredients to satisfy consumers’ interests in functionality and health. With clean label solutions that naturally provide exceptional food protection, yield improvement, flavor, color, clean energy, and more, FFP is here to inspire the industry with new offerings that deliver the great-tasting food and beverages that today’s consumers will love.”

FFP helps improve the food, beverages, and supplements we consume by producing real ingredients from nature that work. Visit IFT23 booth #S0400 to discover more about how FFP’s innovative research and product development capabilities deliver uniquely natural, functional, and plant-based ingredients to customers across a variety of industries to provide real solutions or visit http://floridafood.com.

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About FFP

Florida Food Products, Inc. (FFP) has offered a portfolio of healthy, naturally sourced plant-based food and beverage ingredient solutions for over 65 years. Headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida, FFP has manufacturing capabilities including extraction, fermentation, drying, and blending technologies, with facilities in Florida, New York, New Jersey, Indiana, Oregon, and California. FFP is committed to providing innovative clean label solutions that provide exceptional food protection, flavor, color, texture, and yield improvement for a variety of applications, including processed and cured meat, beverages, plant-based, health and wellness, culinary, and pet nutrition. FFP believes in improving the food and beverages we eat and drink with ingredients from nature that work. Learn more about how FFP’s natural ingredients can help elevate your next food or beverage while meeting the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s consumer at www.floridafood.com.

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with Launch of VegStable^® Secure

New ingredient solution provides safe and secure natural protection for a wide range

of food applications

LAKE MARY, FL, May 24, 2023—FFP, a leader in clean label food and beverage ingredient solutions, recently announced the launch of its new clean label antimicrobial ingredient, VegStable^® Secure. It is now possible for brands to naturally protect a variety of foods from pathogens and spoilage by inhibiting the growth of Listeria monocytogenes without compromising functionality or taste.

Today, most consumers opt for and are willing to pay a premium for food containing simple and natural ingredients. According to the International Food Information Council’s (IFIC) June 2021 survey From “Chemical-sounding” to “Clean”: Consumer Perspectives on Food Ingredients, 64% of consumers said they try to choose foods made with clean ingredients and 71% will pay more for foods and beverages made with ingredients that they recognize and trust.

“We are thrilled to launch VegStable^® Secure, FFP’s new and completely natural antimicrobial solution,” said Jason Reicks, Vice President of Market Development, Performance, FFP. “VegStable^® Secure is a real game-changer for the industry in terms of antimicrobial protection because it helps brands control Listeria monocytogenes, extend shelf life, and keep foods safe and secure — naturally, with the power of plants. Antimicrobials such as sodium acetate, sodium lactate, and nitrates play an essential role in the modern food supply chain to ensure that products stay safe and fresh. However, many of today’s consumers have an increased focus on cleaner labels and are seeking natural alternatives to these common synthetic antimicrobials. VegStable^® Secure provides the perfect solution to meet clean label demands while improving shelf life, without compromising functionality or taste.”

VegStable^® Secure targets Listeria monocytogenes and spoilage bacteria that compromise food integrity. Its simple ingredient statement coupled with a clean flavor profile provides food manufacturers the ability to deliver products with greater consumer appeal.

With VegStable^® Secure, formulators can extend the shelf life of a wide range of applications such as deli meats, hams, hot dogs, and more — naturally, with the power of plants. Benefits include:

• Keeping products safe and secure from pathogens and spoilage
• Extending shelf life and improving food safety
• Providing a clean flavor profile with no sensory impact
• Displaying a simple consumer-preferred, USDA-approved ingredient declaration

“Additionally, our natural ingredients are sourced from partners we know and trust so we can ensure the highest quality and safest ingredients possible,” added Reicks. “Our line of VegStable^® products are minimally processed, all natural ingredients that eliminate the need for synthetic functional ingredients. As longtime experts in delivering naturally delicious ingredient solutions, FFP harnesses the goodness of nature to help our partners meet the rising demands for a cleaner label. From natural cures and a clean label phosphate alternative to natural antioxidants, our team is committed to providing solutions that are real, simple, and better.”

Please visit http://floridafood.com/products/vegstable-secure/ to learn more about VegStable^® Secure and how partnering with FFP opens a world of potential for creating the next line of great-tasting, all-natural products your customers will seek out.

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About FFP

Founded in 1954, Florida Food Products is one of the world’s largest, independent provider of natural ingredients. FFP formulates Florida Food Products, Inc. (FFP) has offered a portfolio of healthy, naturally sourced plant-based food and beverage ingredient solutions for over 65 years. Headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida, FFP has manufacturing capabilities including extraction, fermentation, drying, and blending technologies, with facilities in Florida, New York, New Jersey, Indiana, Oregon, and California. FFP is committed to providing innovative clean label solutions that provide exceptional food protection, flavor, color, texture, and yield improvement for a variety of applications, including processed and cured meat, beverages, plant-based, health and wellness, culinary, and pet nutrition. FFP believes in improving the food and beverages we eat and drink with ingredients from nature that work. Learn more about how FFP’s natural ingredients can help elevate your next food or beverage while meeting the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s consumer at www.floridafood.com.

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Chief Financial Officer

Seasoned Finance Executive Brings Extensive Business Leadership Experience to FFP

Lake Mary, FL—May 5, 2023—Florida Food Products, LLC (“FFP” or the “Company”), one of the world’s largest independent providers of natural ingredients, today announced that Kevin Neat, former Chief Financial Officer of Johnson & Johnson’s (“J&J”) North American Consumer Health business (now publicly listed as Kenvue), has joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Neat will be a part of FFP’s executive leadership team and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of FFP’s financial and IT functions.

Mr. Neat boasts more than two decades of international experience leading high performance finance teams at companies across the consumer packaged goods, healthcare, aerospace, and chemical manufacturing industries. He has successfully managed large organizations, collaborated in the development and implementation of effective business growth strategies, and developed and delivered profitability improvement initiatives. Most recently, as Chief Financial Officer of J&J’s $8 billion North American Consumer Health business, Mr. Neat oversaw the business responsible for some of the world’s best-known brands, including Band-Aid, Tylenol, and Neutrogena, among others.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin – well-recognized for his track record in developing and leading best-in-class finance organizations – to FFP as we continue to strengthen our leadership team,” said Jim Holdrieth, Chief Executive Officer of FFP. “Over the past eighteen months we have successfully and strategically scaled our business, completing four strategic acquisitions, and are confident that Kevin’s decades of experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow FFP.”

Mr. Neat added, “I am pleased to join FFP as we scale, diversify, and accelerate our growth. I look forward to working with the talented FFP team to help the Company continue on its successful path by providing natural, healthy, high-quality ingredients to leading consumer brands, manufacturers, and food service distributors.”

Mr. Neat has spent most of his career in progressively senior global finance leadership positions at J&J, including the medical devices and supply chain divisions. He also served in senior financial leadership roles at McNeil Nutritionals, the producer of SPLENDA sweeteners, VIACTIV Dietary Supplements, and LACTAID branded products, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Cordis Corporation, B/E Aerospace, and International Paper. Mr. Neat earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration finance and an M.B.A. from Stetson University.

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About FFP

Founded in 1954, Florida Food Products is one of the world’s largest, independent provider of natural ingredients. FFP formulates and produces innovative clean label fruit, vegetable, and botanical based ingredients serving the food, beverage, and health end markets. The Company’s products offer compelling alternatives to chemically derived ingredients and can enhance such things as taste, texture, shelf life, moisture, and color. The Company operates facilitates across the country and partners with some of the most respected consumer brands, manufacturers, and food service providers. For additional information, please visit Florida Food Products’ website.

www.floridafood.com.

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U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board Rules in Favor of Meat Industry and Florida Food Products

Federal Court Invalidates Industry Player’s Attempt to Patent The Application of Natural Cures

Lake Mary, FL – April 27, 2023—Florida Food Products, LLC (“FFP”), one of the world’s largest independent providers of natural ingredients, today announced that the United States Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) has ruled in favor of the meat industry and FFP by invalidating an industry player’s attempt to patent how meat companies apply natural curing agents.

The PTAB found all claims of US Patent No.11,071,304 to be unpatentable, determined the patent should never have been issued, and declared the industry player’s temporary patent invalid. The ruling is consistent with the assessment by the European Union and Chinese patent offices, which denied similar attempted patents by this industry player. This marks multiple attempts by this industry player to patent components of applying natural curing agents in the United States. Additional information on the invalidation of the attempted patent can be found on government websites.

Jim Holdrieth, Chief Executive Officer of FFP, stated, “We are pleased with the PTAB’s decision and grateful for their diligent and thorough work to reach this conclusion. Today’s consumers are seeking natural, healthier products, and deserve access to the highest quality options from a range of suppliers. While we are proud of our industry’s innovation and excited by our product roadmap, the attempted patent relates to decades old know-how, which is simply not new.”

Mr. Holdrieth continued, “The PTAB’s ruling is a victory for the entire food industry and will ensure the highest standards are upheld by all industry participants for years to come. FFP will strive to be a steward of the industry, for the benefit of all stakeholders, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our customers in protecting the industry from any inappropriate practices.”

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For FFP media inquiries, please contact:

Emma Murphy

Email: emurphy@neibartgroup.com – Mobile: 347-968-6800

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About FFP

Florida Food Products, Inc. (FFP) has offered a portfolio of healthy, naturally sourced plant-based food and beverage Founded in 1954, Florida Food Products is the world’s largest, independent provider of natural ingredients. FFP formulates and produces innovative clean label fruit, vegetable, and botanical based ingredients serving the food, beverage, and health end markets. The Company’s products offer compelling alternatives to chemically derived ingredients and can enhance such things as taste, texture, shelf life, moisture, and color. The Company operates facilitates across the country and partners with some of the most respected consumer brands, manufacturers, and food service providers. For additional information, please visit Florida Food Products’ website www.floridafood.com.

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Food and Beverage Concepts at IFT22

CHICAGO, IL, July 11-13, 2022— Florida Food Products (FFP), a leader in clean label food and beverage ingredient solutions, has created a menu of great-tasting and innovative concepts for the Institute of Food Technologists 2022 Annual Meeting and Exposition (IFT22). Visitors to booth #S0200 can learn more about FFP’s expanded solutions that include nature’s finest ingredients to provide industry-leading functionality and to help deliver clean label products — for applications that include beverages, meat and poultry, as well as meat alternatives — with the great taste today’s consumers seek.

“Our team is excited to meet with IFT attendees and share a taste of the latest innovations made possible with our expanded range of clean label solutions that naturally provide exceptional food protection, yield improvement, flavor, color, and clean energy delivery to a variety of applications,” said Christopher Naese, Vice President Business Development & Sustainability, FFP. “Our company has really transformed since the last IFT, with investments that include the acquisition of companies such as Amelia Bay, Comax Flavors, T-Bev, and soon, Javo Beverages. FFP’s evolution not only expands our portfolio of clean label solutions, but also helps ensure we can inspire our customers with new offerings that will ultimately quench consumers’ thirst for unique taste experiences that also align with their focus on healthier lifestyles.”

Known for its commitment to real, simple and better ingredients, FFP is offering IFT22 visitors a menu of healthy and delicious food and beverage innovations at IFT22 booth #S0200, including:

• Indulgent Salted Caramel, Plant-Based Latte—this on-trend plant-based latte has it all, with rich coffee taste balanced by creamy caramel notes, thanks to FFP’s Flash Brewed Coffee and Caramel Collection Flavors.

• Black Tea with Raspberry & Rosehip—this refreshing black tea beverage features FFP’s Real Brewed Black Tea and offers a pleasing combination with raspberry notes and rosehip’s floral, slightly sweet taste, with a touch of tartness.

• Pineapple Strawberry Hydration + Energy Drink Mix—this refreshing hydration + energy drink mix quenches the thirst and boosts the beverage experience, featuring natural fruit flavors and natural caffeine from green tea extract. Features FFP’s Brewed Green Tea Powdered Extract VBDGTS-VT, Juice Dry Lime #864, Juice Dry Strawberry #865, Stevia Extract DS541, Green Tea Extract 98% Natural Caffeine, Natural Masking Flavor Powder 39595, Natural Pineapple Type Flavor SD 30925, Natural Strawberry Type Flavor SD 33131.

• Tender and Juicy Chicken Breast—this chicken breast delivers a more tender, flavorful, and juicy bite with FFP’s VegStable® Plus, a breakthrough all-natural product made from rice bran extract.

• Sweet ‘n Tangy Blackberry Balsamic Flavored Dipping Sauce—sweet and tangy flavors complement each other in this rich, complex dipping sauce, the perfect accompaniment for a variety of appetizers, crudités, and more.

• Summer Sausage, Made Even Better—this cured summer sausage with improved texture, flavor, and juiciness features FFP’s VegStable^®, VegStable^® Plus and VegStable^® Fresh. These products provide protection by extending the shelf life, inhibiting rancidity, and maintaining fresh color and flavor of this tasty meat snack.

• Za’atar Flavored Seasoned Nuts—herby exotic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors meet in these savory, trend-forward seasoned nuts, with hints of woodsy, tangy, and acidic notes, along with nutty, rich sesame flavor. Features FFP’s Natural Spice Blend (Za’atar Type) Flavor Powder 36581.

• Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookie—two favorite comfort foods come together in this deliciously satisfying cookie, with ideal natural flavor, color, nutritional and functional benefits. Features FFP’s VegCon Carrot, Natural Carrot Cake Type Flavor 38019, Natural Cream Cheese Type Flavor 13544 and Natural Lemon WONF 12532.

• Zero Proof Hibiscus & Elderflower Gin Fizz—offers IFT attendees a taste of trendiness in a glass. Not only does this zero-proof beverage offer up a complex alcohol-like experience without the actual alcohol. This beverage features FFP’s Real Brewed Hibiscus Extract to give it a trending herbal profile, as well as gorgeous color. Also includes FFP’s Natural Gin Flavor Type 36421, Natural Alcohol Burn Flavor Type 39733, Natural Elderflower Flavor WONF 38413.

• FFP’s Berry Beet’arita Signature Cocktail—this berry fresh take on a traditional margarita features FFP’s fermented beet juice, a delicious way to quench consumers’ thirst for unique taste experiences that align with their focus on healthier lifestyles. This exclusive drink will be available during the in-booth cocktail reception on Monday, 7/11 from 3pm-5pm.

“We hope attendees will agree our latest prototypes really hit the mark on what consumers are seeking. From unique mocktail experiences to tender and mouthwateringly delicious chicken breast and even a flavor-filled and functional cookie, FFP is here to help inspire manufacturers as we work to improve the food and beverages we eat and drink by producing real ingredients from nature that work,” added Naese.

Please visit IFT22 Booth #S0200 to discover more about how FFP innovative research and product development capabilities deliver uniquely natural, functional, and plant-based ingredients to customers across a variety of food and beverage industries to provide real solutions or visit http://floridafood.com.

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About FFP

Florida Food Products, Inc. (FFP) has offered a portfolio of healthy, naturally sourced plant-based food and beverage ingredient solutions for over 65 years. Based in Eustis, Florida, FFP has extensive manufacturing capabilities including extraction, fermentation, drying, and blending technologies, with vegetable juice concentrate and functional food ingredient production facilities in Florida, flavor creation and production in Melville, NY and Marlton, NJ and premium brewed tea, coffee, botanicals and natural energy products in John’s Creek, GA and Eugene, OR. Today, FFP is committed to providing innovative clean label solutions that naturally provide exceptional food protection, flavor, color, texture, and yield improvement for a variety of applications, including processed and cured meat, beverages, plant-based, health and wellness, culinary, and pet nutrition. FFP believes in improving the food and beverages we eat and drink with ingredients from nature that work. Learn more about how FFP’s natural ingredients can help elevate your next food or beverage while meeting the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s consumer at www.floridafood.com.

The post FFP Showcases Menu of Healthy and Delicious Food and Beverage Concepts at IFT22 appeared first on Florida Food Products.

Florida Food Products (“FFP” or the “Company”), one of the world’s largest independent providers of natural ingredients, announced today that it has reached an agreement to acquire Javo Beverage Company (“Javo”) subject to customary closing conditions. Javo is a leading natural extractor of clean label coffee, tea, and botanicals with a focus on beverage applications. Javo is widely recognized for its unique extraction capabilities that facilitate the delivery of exceptional cold brew coffee solutions to industry leading consumer brands, manufacturers, and restaurants. 

FFP is a leading innovator, formulator, and producer of naturally sourced clean label ingredients. The Company’s products provide nutrition, improve texture and flavor, extend shelf life, and ultimately provide consumers with clean label and natural products. FFP is one of the largest independent providers of clean label ingredients, and the Company’s portfolio focuses exclusively on natural solutions. Today, FFP’s portfolio of natural ingredients has applications across every segment of the food and beverage industry, along with a rapidly growing presence in the health and wellness category. 

In 2021, Ardian, a world-leading private investment house, acquired a majority stake in FFP from MidOcean Partners (“MidOcean”) and established a new partnership to accelerate FFP’s long-term growth objectives. Under this partnership, FFP has completed the acquisition of Comax, T-Bev, and now Javo. With the support of the Ardian and MidOcean teams, FFP has scaled dramatically and has more than doubled over the last year, with revenue approaching $300 million. 

• Solidifies FFP’s position as one of the world’s largest independent providers of natural food ingredients 

• Javo represents the third acquisition completed since Ardian and MidOcean partnership formed less than a year ago 

• Addition of Javo further diversifies portfolio of natural ingredients, enhances growth profile, and introduces exciting new products to FFP’s beverage division 

Florida Food Products (“FFP” or the “Company”), one of the world’s largest independent providers of natural ingredients, announced today that it has reached an agreement to acquire Javo Beverage Company (“Javo”) subject to customary closing conditions. Javo is a leading natural extractor of clean label coffee, tea, and botanicals with a focus on beverage applications. Javo is widely recognized for its unique extraction capabilities that facilitate the delivery of exceptional cold brew coffee solutions to industry leading consumer brands, manufacturers, and restaurants. 

FFP is a leading innovator, formulator, and producer of naturally sourced clean label ingredients. The Company’s products provide nutrition, improve texture and flavor, extend shelf life, and ultimately provide consumers with clean label and natural products. FFP is one of the largest independent providers of clean label ingredients, and the Company’s portfolio focuses exclusively on natural solutions. Today, FFP’s portfolio of natural ingredients has applications across every segment of the food and beverage industry, along with a rapidly growing presence in the health and wellness category. 

In 2021, Ardian, a world-leading private investment house, acquired a majority stake in FFP from MidOcean Partners (“MidOcean”) and established a new partnership to accelerate FFP’s long-term growth objectives. Under this partnership, FFP has completed the acquisition of Comax, T-Bev, and now Javo. With the support of the Ardian and MidOcean teams, FFP has scaled dramatically and has more than doubled over the last year, with revenue approaching $300 million. 

The addition of Javo further diversifies FFP’s portfolio, adding a number of exciting new natural ingredients, while significantly enhancing its growth profile. FFP plans to utilize its expanded capabilities to offer innovative solutions that provide consumers great tasting, clean label products with the health attributes and transparency they desire. As part of FFP’s growth plans, the Company continues to expand its talented executive team, accelerate its investment in innovation, and enhance its capabilities and services with new facilities, equipment, and locations. 

”We’re ecstatic for Javo to join the FFP platform. Javo’s best-in-class products are supported by a talented team and unique manufacturing capabilities that will drive a series of innovative new product launches. As part of the FFP family, we’re confident that Javo can offer our customers compelling new solutions that build on our deep portfolio of clean label ingredients.” 

● JIM HOLDRIETH ● CEO OF FFP 

”Our investment in Javo is a testament to the differentiated capabilities and resources that Ardian has brought to the FFP platform. As we move forward, the FFP team will be able to leverage further our extensive experience in the ingredient sector to efficiently evaluate new opportunities and be the buyer of choice for natural ingredient businesses.” 

● THIBAULT BASQUIN ● DEPUTY HEAD OF THE ARDIAN BUYOUT TEAM 

”Javo is an impressive organization, which will play a critical role in our continued expansion in the beverage category. Javo’s innovative products complement FFP’s portfolio of natural ingredients and will position the Company for accelerated growth. We intend to continue our strategy of building the world’s largest independent provider of clean label ingredients by expanding our portfolio of best-in-class products, acquiring additional clean label ingredient businesses, and investing in our talented team, advanced facilities, and innovative pipeline.” 

● CHRISTOPHER SAND ● MANAGING DIRECTOR IN THE ARDIAN BUYOUT TEAM 

”The addition of Javo to the FFP platform is a continuation of the exceptional growth that we have seen since our initial investment in 2018, and further solidifies our position in natural beverage ingredients and solutions. Building upon the solid foundation we have established over the last four years, FFP is poised to dramatically increase its scale as it launches exciting new systems and expands into a series of high-growth adjacencies. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Jim Holdrieth, the FFP management team, and Ardian as we progress in this exciting new phase for FFP.” 

● STEVEN LOEFFLER ● PRINCIPAL AT MIDOCEAN PARTNERS 

The transaction is anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2022. Houlihan Lokey acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Javo. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

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ABOUT ARDIAN 
Ardian is a world leading private investment house, managing or advising $130bn of assets on behalf of more than 1,300 clients globally. Our broad expertise, spanning Private Equity, Real Assets and Credit, enables us to offer a wide range of investment opportunities and respond flexibly to our clients’ differing needs. Through Ardian Customized Solutions, we create bespoke portfolios that allow institutional clients to specify the precise mix of assets they require and to gain access to funds managed by leading third-party sponsors. We also provide a specialist service for private clients through Ardian Private Wealth Solutions. Ardian is majority-owned by its employees and places great emphasis on developing its people and fostering a collaborative culture based on collective intelligence. Our 900+ employees, spread across 15 offices in Europe, the Americas and Asia, are strongly committed to the principles of Responsible Investment and are determined to make finance a force for good in society. Our goal is to deliver excellent investment performance combined with high ethical standards and social responsibility.  At Ardian we invest all of ourselves in building companies that last. 
ardian.com 

ABOUT MIDOCEAN PARTNERS 
MidOcean Partners is a premier New York-based alternative asset manager specializing in middle-market private equity and alternative credit investments. Since its inception in 2003, MidOcean Private Equity has targeted investments in high-quality middle-market companies in the consumer and business services sectors. MidOcean Credit Partners was launched in 2009 and currently manages a series of alternative credit strategies, collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), and customized separately managed accounts. 
midoceanpartners.com 

ABOUT FLORIDA FOOD PRODUCT 
Founded in 1954, Florida Food Products is the world’s largest, independent provider of natural ingredients. FFP formulates and produces innovative clean label fruit, vegetable, and botanical based ingredients serving the food, beverage, and health end markets. The Company’s products offer compelling alternatives to chemically derived ingredients and can enhance such things as taste, texture, shelf life, moisture, and color. The Company operates facilitates across the country and partners with some of the most respected consumer brands, manufacturers, and food service providers. For additional information, please visit Florida Food Products’ website. 
floridafood.com 

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EUSTIS, FL, June 15, 2022— Florida Food Products (FFP), a leader in clean label food and beverage ingredient solutions, celebrated the official opening of a new Innovation Center and lab at its headquarters in Eustis, Florida on Thursday, June 9^th. The facility encompasses several specialized areas including a microbiology lab, dry products preparation room, culinary kitchen, sample lab and a customer demo space.  

“When we made the decision to accelerate our innovation process, particularly in the clean label food protection category, we quickly realized we needed an Innovation Center that would offer this physical space and additional technical capabilities to execute our plans,” said Christopher Naese, Vice President Business Development & Sustainability, FFP.  

Pavan Soma, PhD, Director of R&D at FFP, was tasked with mapping out additional analytical and pilot- scale production equipment needed, including several bioreactors, analyzers for color and texture as well as organic acids, minerals and other molecules of interest. He commented, “We are thrilled that with the new lab, both scoping and prototype development time is reduced. The Innovation Center provides a modern spacious lab that will be able to accommodate additional scientists we are looking to bring into the group.”

Guests that attended the grand opening event included representatives from the City of Eustis, Lake County Florida, the Chamber of Commerce, FFP’s Scientific Advisory Board members, representatives from the University of Florida, Keiser University, key local suppliers, neighbors and friends of FFP. After a ceremonial ribbon cutting, a tour was conducted that included both the lab and the factory, where highlights of the site’s most recent capital upgrades where unveiled. 

Attendees were treated to a range of refreshments including beverages, appetizers and sweets, containing ingredients representing FFP’s various product solutions. These included FFP’s wide variety of solutions, from natural meat cures to antioxidants, teas, botanicals, fermented vegetable juices and alcohol flavors, for some great zero-proof drinks!

Take a tour of the FFP Innovation Center here. 

Find out more about how FFP innovative research and product development capabilities deliver uniquely natural, functional, and plant-based ingredients to customers across a variety of industries to provide real solutions here or visit http://floridafood.com. 

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About FFP 
Florida Food Products, Inc. (FFP) has offered a portfolio of healthy, naturally sourced plant-based food and beverage ingredient solutions for over 65 years. Based in Eustis, Florida, FFP has extensive manufacturing capabilities including extraction, fermentation, drying, and blending technologies, with vegetable juice concentrate production facilities in Florida, flavor creation and production in Melville, NY and premium brewed tea, coffee and botanicals in John’s Creek, Georgia. Today, FFP is committed to providing innovative clean label solutions that naturally provide exceptional food protection, flavor, color, texture, and yield improvement for a variety of applications, including processed and cured meat, beverages, plant-based, health and wellness, culinary, and pet nutrition. FFP believes in improving the food and beverages we eat and drink with ingredients from nature that work. Learn more about how FFP’s natural ingredients can help elevate your next food or beverage while meeting the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s consumer at www.floridafood.com.

The post FFP Celebrates Innovation Center Grand Opening appeared first on Florida Food Products.

Eustis, FL, May 2^nd, 2022 — Florida Food Products (“FFP”) announced today that it has invested in T-Bev Inc. (“T-Bev”), a provider of high-quality, all natural ingredients focused on botanical extracts and tea related products. This represents the second add on acquisition in 5 months under the Ardian / Mid Ocean partnership, resulting in a meaningful expansion of FFP’s natural food ingredient capabilities.

Founded and led by Anson Gu, T-Bev has grown to become a leading provider of natural, functional ingredients to the nutraceutical and beverage markets. T-Bev’s products will complement FFP’s extensive product portfolio and in the coming months, FFP intends to introduce a series of new, unique solutions. T-Bev’s Eugene, Oregon operations will serve as the foundation for FFP’s expansion on the West Coast and will continue to be led by Mr. Gu. Going forward, Mr. Gu will have responsibility for FFP’s entire Human Nutrition business.

FFP is a leader in clean label food and beverage ingredient solutions. With a mission to “improve the food we eat by producing real ingredients from nature that work,” the company has delivered a multitude of clean label solutions through its diverse manufacturing capabilities including extraction, fermentation, drying, and blending. FFP’s latest innovations include VegStable^® Plus, a natural phosphate alternative for the meat industry, and a line of fermented vegetable juices that provide novel flavor and taste enhancement to a wide variety of end applications, most notably plant-based foods. In 2021, Ardian and MidOcean announced a partnership to accelerate FFP’s strategic growth through increased investment in R&D and the completion of strategic acquisitions.

“We are incredibly pleased to welcome T-Bev into the FFP family. We’ve long admired T-Bev and are incredibly impressed by the business that Anson has built. Our investment in T-Bev marks our expansion into the nutraceutical market while extending our industry leading capabilities in tea related products. As we continue to build the FFP platform, Anson and T-Bev will play a critical role in our collective success.” Stated Jim Holdrieth, FFP’s President and CEO.

Anson Gu, CEO of T-Bev stated, “I could not be prouder of what the entire T-Bev organization has accomplished. Our transaction with FFP reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team. Going forward, FFP’s resources will allow us to enhance our operations, grow into new markets, and introduce innovative solutions for our customers. We’re excited to be part of the FFP growth story, and I look forward to partnering with the entire FFP team.”

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About FFP 
Founded in 1954, FFP is a leading innovator, formulator and producer of natural and clean label ingredients. The Company produces a wide array of natural, plant-based ingredients that improve texture, extend shelf life, enhance nutrition and enable great tasting consumer products. FFP has long been the leader in clean label curing ingredients for the protein sector, but more recently has grown its portfolio to include ingredients and flavor systems with application across every segment of the food and beverage industry. The company is on a mission to deliver industry leading service while providing “real ingredients from nature that work” for our customers.

About Ardian
Ardian is one of the world’s leading private equity firms with more than $120 billion under management and/or advisory in Europe, America, and Asia. The company, which is majority owned by its employees, has always placed entrepreneurship at the heart of its approach and offers its international investors top- tier performance. Through its commitment to sharing the value created with all stakeholders, Ardian participates in the growth of companies and economies around the world. Based on its values of excellence, loyalty and entrepreneurship, Ardian benefits from an international network of 700 employees in 15 offices in Europe (Frankfurt, Jersey, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Paris and Zurich), North America (New York, San Francisco), South America (Santiago) and Asia (Beijing, Singapore, Seoul, and Tokyo). The company manages the funds of 1,200 clients through its five investment pillars: Direct Funds, Funds of Funds, Infrastructure, Real Estate and Private Debt.

With seven offices in Europe and the U.S., Ardian’s global Buyout team acquires high-quality mid and large- cap companies across Western Europe and North America, applying transformational and multi- cultural buy-and-build strategies which enable portfolio companies to become global leaders in their respective sectors.

www.ardian.com

About MidOcean Partners
MidOcean Partners is a premier New York-based alternative asset manager specializing in middle-market private equity and alternative credit investments. Since its inception in 2003, MidOcean Private Equity has targeted investments in high-quality middle-market companies in the consumer and business services sectors. MidOcean Credit Partners was launched in 2009 and currently manages a series of alternative credit strategies, collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), and customized separately managed accounts.

www.MidOceanPartners.com

The post FFP Invests in T-Bev, Expanding Platform into Nutraceutical Ingredients While Strengthening Presence in Value Added, Natural Tea Products appeared first on Florida Food Products.

EUSTIS, FL, January 25, 2022— Florida Food Products (FFP), a leading innovator, formulator and producer of vegetable and fruit-based clean label ingredient solutions, is launching a new plant-based antioxidant, VegStable® Fresh during the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Georgia, January 25-27, 2022. IPPE attendees are invited to FFP booth #C13023 to learn more about VegStable® Fresh, an exciting new clean label alternative to chemical additives (e.g., BHA/BHT). This innovative new plant-based antioxidant–derived from green tea, rosemary, acerola, and rice bran extract–allows for a simpler label that maintains the desired color and flavor of meat and poultry products while also extending their shelf life. 

“Our team is excited to launch our latest clean label antioxidant solution, VegStable® Fresh, at IPPE 2022,” said Christopher Naese, Vice President, Business Development, Florida Food Products. “VegStable® Fresh is an ideal clean label alternative to chemical antioxidants that makes it possible to maintain the quality and freshness of meat and poultry products, such as fresh and cooked pork sausage, and ground turkey, with the power of plants. In ground turkey applications, VegStable® Fresh has not only improved shelf-life extension and provided rancidity prevention but is also aiding purge reduction and enhancing texture. No chemicals, less spoilage, more consumer appeal means a win for everyone.”

Crafted from compounds inherently found in nature, VegStable® Fresh helps delay oxidation to lock in the original integrity of meat and poultry products while naturally keeping the off-putting effects of oxidation at bay, with a clean and simple label. 

Benefits include:

• Shelf-life extension
• Rancidity prevention
• Maintain color and flavor
• Consumer preferred, clean label replacement for chemical antioxidants (e.g., BHA/BHT)
• Broad portfolio for a wide variety of processing scenarios
• Ease of use

“Our team of experts look forward to a great show and can’t wait to learn more about how our portfolio of plant-based ingredient solutions can help our partners take their meat and poultry products to the next level with no chemicals, less spoilage and more consumer appeal,” added Naese.

IPPE attendees can discover more about FFP’s portfolio of plant-powered protection for all their meat and poultry products, including:

• VegStable® Fresh-An IPPE must-see product, this clean label alternative to chemical antioxidants and artificial additives such as to sodium nitrate, is derived from green tea, rosemary, acerola, and rice bran extract
• VegStable® Plus–Natural phosphate alternative for flavor, juiciness, and texture
• VegStable® Natural Cure–Proven plant-based cure solutions for a cleaner label

IPPE is a great opportunity to learn more by visiting FFP booth #C13023, or visit FFP’s website at http://floridafood.com/processed-and-cured-meat/ and http://floridafood.com/protection/

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About FFP 
Florida Food Products, Inc. (FFP) has offered a portfolio of healthy, naturally sourced plant-based food and beverage ingredient solutions for over 65 years. Based in Eustis, Florida, FFP has extensive manufacturing capabilities including extraction, fermentation, drying, and blending technologies, with vegetable juice concentrate production facilities in Florida, flavor creation and production in Melville, NY and premium brewed tea, coffee and botanicals in John’s Creek, Georgia. Today, FFP is committed to providing innovative clean label solutions that naturally provide exceptional food protection, flavor, color, texture, and yield improvement for a variety of applications, including processed and cured meat, beverages, plant-based, health and wellness, culinary, and pet nutrition. FFP believes in improving the food and beverages we eat and drink with ingredients from nature that work. Learn more about how FFP’s natural ingredients can help elevate your next food or beverage while meeting the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s consumer at www.floridafood.com.

The post FFP Unveils New Clean Label Antioxidant Solution at IPPE 2022 appeared first on Florida Food Products.