The Bühler Technology Group has acquired the 50% stake held up to now by its partner Royal DSM in the joint venture (JV) Wuxi NutriRice Co. Ltd.
Both companies remain committed to continuing their joint efforts to establish rice fortification as an effective and economical technology to combat malnutrition in the world.
DSM will continue to supply the micronutrients used in the innovative process of producing the branded fortified rice kernel, NutriRice.
Wuxi NutriRice Co. Ltd, a 50/50 JV between Bühler AG and Royal DSM, was set up 2007 in Wuxi, China, to produce, market and sell rice kernels fortified with micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).
This involves a highly innovative process that was jointly developed by Bühler and DSM.
The resulting fortified kernels could reduce deficiencies resulting from unbalanced nutrition and targeted at specific population groups such as children, pregnant women and elderly people.
The acquisition enables Bühler to extend the offering of the extruded products in China beyond fortified rice kernels.
In addition, it allows the extrusion research department of Bühler China to be integrated in the same building.
Meanwhile, DSM says the knowledge gained in the six years of co-ownership of Wuxi NutriRice Co. Ltd. enables it to offer a complete solution for rice fortificaition to its customers.
Bühler says its existing customers will continue to be supplied with the same high-quality fortified rice kernels containing DSM micronutrients.
