Carbery acquires US flavours business Prinova in multimillion-euro deal

Jason Hawkins, chief executive, Carbery Group.  Carbery Group has acquired US flavours business Prinova, a leading global supplier of ingredients and premix manufacturing solutions. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan/OSM Photo

Carbery Group has acquired US flavours business Prinova, a leading global supplier of ingredients and premix manufacturing solutions, the company announced on Wednesday.

Prinova is a subsidiary of the NAGASE Group, which is headquartered in Osaka in Japan. Prinova is based in the US but operates globally, and is one of the world’s largest distributors of functional ingredients. 

Last week, Carbery announced operating profits of €52.3m in 2025. The multimillion-euro deal will expand Carbery’s flavours and ingredients business in the US, where it trades as Synergy Flavors. The deal continues Carbery's diversification and acquisition strategy worldwide, to insulate the company from dairy price shocks and to secure long-term stability.

Carbery Group has facilities in eight locations globally including Ireland, the US, the UK, Brazil, Italy, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia and produces dairy and nutritional ingredients for more than 50 markets globally.

“We are very excited about the potential from this acquisition. This will be a great addition to the Synergy business portfolio, and gives us a broader offering for our customers," said Carbery chief executive Jason Hawkins. "We will continue to diversify our business to deliver value for shareholders, service and innovation for our customers, and to retain and grow our excellent global team.”

Headquartered in Ballineeen, West Cork, Carbery is one of Ireland’s leading producers of cheese for industrial, foodservice, and retail sectors. Carbery has reported operating profits of €52.3m in 2025, with revenue increasing 8% to €723m. Its global nutrition and taste divisions delivered significant profit growth in 2025. 

Last week, the Carbery board travelled to Brazil to open a new multimillion-euro manufacturing facility outside Sao Paolo. Synergy, completed the acquisition of Solutaste, a flavours and ingredients manufacturer and distribution company based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in November. Chief financial officer Liam Hughes said Carbery has invested €22m in its Brazilian business in recent years.

Synergy US chief executive Kevin Collins said the Prinova deal builds on "our existing capabilities in our flavours business and creates the ability to support long-term growth across a multitude of categories. Our expanded team’s flavour expertise and capability will help our customers to achieve their strategic growth ambitions. I know our shared commitment to creating a positive culture will enable us to work closely with our colleagues in Prinova to ensure a coordinated and smooth transition for all customers.”