Louisville, KY-based D.D. Williamson acquired the food coloring product line and processing equipment from Danisco USA Inc., which has been part of DuPont Nutrition & Health since 2011. The financial terms were not disclosed.

Frutarom, with U.S. offices in North Bergen, NJ, acquired Hagelin Flavor Technologies of New York, NY, for $52.4 million.

WILD Flavors, Inc. of Erlander, KY, acquired Alfrebro, LLC, which makes natural extracts and aromas.

Wellmune WGP, an immune-support ingredient from Biothera of Eagan, MN, will be used as the active ingredient in MRI’s new Immune Fit bulk powder.

Albion Human Nutrition of Clearfield, UT, announced that its Iron Taste-Free (Ferric Glycinate) ingredient is now self-affirmed GRAS. Albion has applied for two patents for its use in pediatric supplements and food fortification.

Aker BioMarine AS, based in Oslo, Norway, and Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Inc., of Laval, QC, Canada (and parent Acasti Pharma Inc.), have made a settlement and license agreement whereby Neptune will dismiss its ongoing ITC investigation against Aker. Also dismissed are all current lawsuits brought by Neptune against Aker and companies in its value chain. As part of the settlement, Neptune granted a worldwide, nonexclusive, royalty-bearing license to Aker, which gives the company the right to market and sell its products in the patented countries. The extent of these royalties will be based on the outcome of the pending inter partes review proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office regarding Neptune’s ‘351 composition of matter patent. Aker also paid Neptune a one-time payment for the manufacture and sale of krill products prior to the effective USPTO decision date.

In related news, Israel-based Enzymotec Ltd. signed a confidential term sheet with Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Inc. and Acasti Pharma Inc. The ongoing ITC investigation against Enzymotec by Neptune and Acasti was stayed.

BioCell Technology of Newport Beach, CA, received its sixth patent for BioCell Collagen. Says the company, “The latest patent on BioCell Collagen has key claims regarding molecular composition, molecular weight, and manufacturing method.” It also covers topical applications like replenishing hyaluronic acid, restoring skin viscoelasticity and retaining skin moisture.

Forsyth, MO-based National Enzyme Company launched a customer portal called, “My NEC Connection.” The portal lets customers view and track orders from start to finish 24/7. Shoppers can see their order history, view products, retrieve shipping details and see label information.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, February 2014