Chicago-based Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) announced that it reached an agreement to acquire the Ziegler Group, a European provider of natural citrus flavor ingredients. The agreement comes shortly after ADM completed its acquisition of Winter Haven, Fla.-based citrus flavor provider Florida Chemical Co.

“Ziegler is highly respected as a cutting-edge leader in citrus, and we’re excited to welcome their outstanding leadership and talent to ADM,” said Vince Macciocchi, president of ADM’s Nutrition business. “The combination of Ziegler and Florida Chemical will immediately position ADM for growth as a global leader in natural citrus ingredients, with a complete range of innovative citrus solutions and systems for food, beverage and fragrance customers.”

Founded in 1963, Ziegler uses proprietary cold-concentration technologies to produce natural high-quality citrus oils, extracts, concentrates and compounds for flavor, food and beverage industry customers, focusing on Europe, the United States and Japan. The company is based in Aufsess, Germany.

“Citrus is one of the fastest-growing, highest-demand flavors for food and beverages, which is why the creation of a global citrus platform offering a complete product line for our customers is such an important capability for our growth strategy,” Macciocchi said.

The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2019, ADM said.