By partnering with Bunge, Blendtek is significantly expanding the range of plant-based options available to its customers. The company, known for sourcing ingredients and creating custom blends, now offers several new ingredients that not only align with current trends but also come from a reputable source recognized for quality and capacity. Bunge’s ingredients are versatile, featuring various protein contents, flavors, colors, emulsifying properties, and viscosities. While these ingredients can be sourced directly from Bunge, manufacturers who obtain them through Blendtek can leverage the company’s formulation expertise. Additionally, Bunge’s offerings complement Blendtek’s existing plant-based ingredients, which include pumpkin and rice protein, vital wheat gluten, and wheat protein isolate.
“Bunge and Blendtek share a commitment to collaborating closely with customers to provide the ideal mix of quality ingredients and application knowledge to create standout plant-based foods and beverages that deliver exceptional sensory experiences,” stated Rick Jackson, Bunge’s director of protein sales in North America. “We are excited to partner with Blendtek to offer a wider array of customers these advantages with the speed and agility necessary to accelerate their growth.”
Since its establishment through an acquisition in 2014, Blendtek has positioned itself as an innovator focused on emerging trends in the ingredient sector. In a 2017 feature in The Waterloo Region Record, company leaders expressed their goal to “solve real-world problems and challenge expectations.” Over the years, Blendtek has formed partnerships and made strategic acquisitions that enhance its customer base and showcase its innovative spirit. For instance, in 2017, the company secured an exclusive distribution agreement for specific ingredients from the Spanish microalgae company Fitoplancton Marino. The 2020 acquisition of Tri-Blend Bakery Mixes, a commercial bakery mix provider, enabled Blendtek to specialize in functional ingredient blends, baking mixes, and custom formulations.
Last November, Blendtek inaugurated a cutting-edge headquarters in Cambridge, Ontario. The 85,000-square-foot facility includes office space, manufacturing, and distribution capabilities, alongside an R&D lab and test kitchen dedicated to exploring niche product areas, including plant-based options. As the company continues to expand its offerings, it remains mindful of market changes, such as the discontinuation of Citracal pearls, and seeks to provide innovative solutions to meet evolving consumer demands.