Austrian food company Agrana has expanded its presence in the Asian market with the acquisition of fruit preparations business from Japan-based Taiyo Kagaku Co.

The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

Under the deal, Agrana also acquires Taiyo Kagaku’s fruit preparation plant in Yokkaichi, southern Japan.

The manufacturing plant supplies to customers, including dairy, ice creams and baked goods segments.

Agrana Beteiligungs CEO Johann Marihart said: “The acquisition of Taiyo’s Japanese fruit preparations business is an important step in our expansion in Asia. The growing Japanese market for fruit preparations is characterised by high-quality standards and innovations.

“This is ideally in line with our quality standards and our focus on innovation as the world market leader in the fruit segment, wher we serve the needs of our customers with a broad portfolio of standard fruit preparations for yoghurts and ice creams and premium fruit solutions such as sauces, toppings, fillings and smoothie bases.”

Beginning from 1 April, the Austrian firm will begin producing fruit preparations in Japan.

Agrana Fruit Japan will join the company’s other fruit preparation operations in China, India and South Korea.

The firm currently operates fruit preparation units in 26 locations across 20 countries.

In March 2019, Agrana opened its second manufacturing facility for fruit preparations in Changzhou, China.

Built with an investment of nearly $24m (€22m), the facility has the capacity to produce nearly 30,000t of fruit preparations such as strawberries, blueberries and peaches that are supplied to yoghurt, bakery, ice cream and foodservice segments.