Cain Food Industries merges with Millbio to form global clean-label powerhouse
The combined entity will offer tailored formulation development, application testing, and scalable delivery to industrial bakeries and food manufacturers seeking transparency, sustainability, and nutrition in their ingredient sourcing.
LUXEMBOURG – In a strategic move reshaping the clean-label bakery ingredients sector, Cain Food Industries Inc., a leading supplier of clean-label ingredients to the wholesale grain-based food industry, has merged with Millbio NA, an Italian company that develops and manufactures natural food ingredients for the baking and food and beverage industries, following its acquisition by private equity firm Apheon.
The deal, finalized on August 7, brings together two complementary players under a unified banner, creating a global leader in natural and functional food ingredients.
Dallas-based Cain Food, known for its custom mixes and clean-label solutions for commercial bakeries, will retain its name and regional leadership under the leadership of CEO Tom McCurry.
Millbio, headquartered in Milan, Italy, specializes in clean-label, functional ingredients; including mold inhibitors, sourdough cultures, enzyme enhancers, and plant-based extracts, that support industrial bakeries in extending shelf life, enhancing texture and taste, and boosting nutritional value, all while streamlining ingredient declarations.
The merger combines Cain’s manufacturing and logistics strength across the Americas with Millbio’s R&D and fermentation expertise across Europe and Asia.
Apheon, the Luxembourg-based investment firm behind the deal, emphasized the “highly synergistic match” between the two companies.
According to Apheon, the merger positions the combined entity as a global frontrunner in clean-label ingredients, broadening its portfolio to include sourdough cultures, natural mold prevention solutions, enzyme-driven enhancers, dough-softening technologies, and plant-based shelf-life extenders.
The combined entity will offer tailored formulation development, application testing, and scalable delivery to industrial bakeries and food manufacturers seeking transparency, sustainability, and nutrition in their ingredient sourcing.
This merger reflects a broader trend in the baking ingredient market, where companies are consolidating to scale innovation and expand their geographic reach in response to evolving consumer expectations for natural and functional food products.
The merger also positions the combined company well to meet the rising demand of consumers for clean-label, sustainable, and functional bakery ingredients.
With R&D centers and production facilities spanning the Americas, Europe, and Asia, the new Cain-Millbio entity is positioned to serve a global customer base with enhanced agility and innovation.
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