IQF, a leader in natural feed and food carotenoid pigments, essential oils, anti-caking agents and mold inhibitors, was established in 1970 and has achieved a customer base extending across more than 60 countries. The acquisition of IQF enables Novus to expand its product and food ingredient offerings for new and existing animal agriculture customers in Europe and around the world.

IQF’s natural feed additives can be mixed with feed to enhance meat and egg nutrition and color. Feed carotenoid pigments from the acquisition, with their natural antioxidant properties, align with Novus’s feed preservative and dietary antioxidant product families. IQF is currently active with these product lines in the poultry, ruminant, pork and aquaculture markets. Key IQF brands include: Xamacol®, Astacol®, Lutecol®, Betacol®, Canthacol®, Toxiban ®, Micokap® and NextEnhance®.

“Incorporating these new technologies into our existing product base will enable Novus to better serve our customers worldwide,” explained Thad Simons, President and CEO of Novus International. “This acquisition is consistent with Novus’s commitment to continuously identify new approaches to improve the health of animals through optimized nutrition and to enhance the business operations of our customers.”

This is the second acquisition Novus has made in recent months. In December 2009, Novus announced the acquisition of the Animal Nutrition Division of Albion Laboratories, expanding Novus’s existing chelated trace mineral offering, particularly to the beef and dairy industries.

“We are very excited about this acquisition as it will take Novus into a world leadership position in natural pigments as well as in new geographical segments which will benefit our customers and our industry,” said Giovanni Gasperoni, Executive VP, Marketing and Sales, Novus. “These products are very high quality and they are a natural, complementary extension of our existing product portfolio.”

“The IQF Group has enjoyed an excellent partnership with Novus since 2001 and this acquisition is a logical and strategic next step,” stated a spokesperson for the IQF Group. “We are confident that the complementary aspects of IQF and Novus cultures and products will build upon the success of our 40 year legacy.”

Novus’s current products include amino acids, chelated trace minerals, feed preservatives and other nutrition and health products for the poultry, aquaculture, pork, dairy, beef, companion animal and human markets. Key areas of focus include: animal health and nutrition, improvement of livestock performance, feed quality, food safety and sustainable agriculture practices.