Private equity firm invests in flavor company

Private equity firm invests in flavor company

Founded in 1941, National Flavors offers “creative flavor development” services and a portfolio of flavors for a variety of applications, including beverages, frozen desserts, baked goods, confections and processed fruits. Courtesy National Flavors

A flavor manufacturing company in the region received a capital infusion from an East Coast private equity firm.

Kalamazoo-based National Flavors said Wednesday that it received an investment from The Riverside Company, a New York-based growth-oriented private equity firm.

The amount of the investment was not disclosed.

A spokeswoman for National Flavors said the company will remain privately held.

“We have a beautiful new facility, a talented and dedicated team committed to serving customers well, and unique digital tools to offer our current and future clients,” said Dan Hinkle, interim president of National Flavors.

“Partnering with Riverside will help us maximize the potential in each of those areas to add value to more customers. I am most excited for the opportunities this will provide our current team to continue to grow.”

Hinkle will remain involved as an investor and board member, while also working on strategic projects for the company, National Flavors said.

Loren Schlachet, managing partner of Riverside, said the period of its investment will “strengthen NF’s research, development and application capabilities through organic and inorganic growth initiatives.”

“We are actively pursuing add-on acquisitions of other leading flavor houses to complement NF,” Schlachet said.

National Flavors

Founded in 1941, National Flavors offers “creative flavor development” services and a portfolio of flavors for a variety of applications, including beverages, frozen desserts, baked goods, confections and processed fruits.

The Riverside Company 

Founded in 1988, The Riverside Company is a global private equity firm focused on investing in growing businesses valued at up to $400 million.

Riverside has made more than 650 investments since its inception, and its international private equity and structured capital portfolios include more than 90 companies.