Spice specialist expands business segment with new acquisition 

Kulmbach/Germany, October 2023: Spice manufacturer RAPS has acquired the table salt business of Salz Centrale Hamburg through its majority holding in BIOVA with immediate effect. The acquisition adds a wide range of natural salts to the portfolio and expands the global network of suppliers.

In recent decades, Salz Centrale has built up a large number of exclusive contacts in the countries of origin of the salts, such as Pakistan, Bolivia, and Hawaii. The clientele, including top European chefs, well-known food manufacturers, and wholesalers, will, in the future, be supplied by BIOVA. BIOVA has been part of the RAPS Group since 2021 and is a long-standing, close partner of Salz Centrale.

Florian Knell, CEO of the RAPS Group, is pleased with the conclusion of the contract: “Part of our growth strategy is not only to grow by our own efforts, but also greatly expand our competence through acquisitions. Here, the purchase of Salz Centrale is another huge step forward,” he says. Knell also predicts good opportunities for RAPS to make further acquisitions in the future.

Dirk Carstensen, founder of Salz Centrale Hamburg, feels the time has come for a change after more than 20 years as managing director: “It is a stroke of luck that we came to RAPS through our close relationship with BIOVA. I am sure that I am leaving my life’s work in good hands and that my long-standing customers will continue to be well looked after.”

Raphael Deckert, Managing Director of BIOVA, is happy about the development, too, and is looking forward to integrating the new partner at its site near Stuttgart: “With Salz Centrale, we are not only welcoming friends to our Wildberg facility, but also further expanding our excellent market position for high-quality specialty salts and strengthening our European distribution.”