Originating in China around the first century B.C., citrus was a bridge from East to West, where aromatic varieties were introduced to the world as both a zesty flavor and an immunity boosting medicine. With its history rooted in Asia, citrus fruits today have reached all corners of the world. Home to more than 25 citrus varieties, Japan’s citrus offers diverse profiles for the global consumer.

Shanghai, China-based Citromax Ingredients (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. will service China and the Southeast Asian markets with product offerings including the core Citromax product line of citrus oils and blends, beverage bases, lemon juice, lemon peel, lemon pulp, and flavorings.

Bud Light Lemon Tea complements Bud Lime and last year's beer innovation, Bud Light Orange which are also brewed with real lime and orange peels.

Founded in 1963, Ziegler uses proprietary cold concentration technologies to produce natural high-quality citrus oils, extracts, concentrates and compounds for flavor, food, and beverage industry customers, focusing on Europe, the US and Japan.

The deal, which requires regulatory approval, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019. When the transaction is complete, FCC’s approximately 75 employees will transfer to ADM.

Prepared Foods discusses beverage formulation with Linda Halik, director of R&D and national accounts sales manager at United Citrus Products Corp., Norwood, Mass.