CHICAGO — The Archer Daniels Midland Co. has agreed to acquire the Ziegler Group, a provider of natural citrus flavor ingredients, Chicago-based ADM said March 15. Founded in 1963 and based in Aufsess, Germany, the Ziegler Group uses proprietary cold concentration technologies to produce natural citrus oils, extracts, concentrates and compounds for flavor, food and beverage industry customers in Europe, the United States and Japan.

The announcement came two weeks after Chicago-based ADM reported it had completed the acquisition of Florida Chemical Co., Winter Haven, Fla., which specializes in citrus-based flavors and fragrances.

“Ziegler is highly respected as a cutting-edge leader in citrus, and we’re excited to welcome their outstanding leadership and talent to ADM,” said Vince Macciocchi, president of ADM’s Nutrition business. “The combination of Ziegler and Florida Chemical will immediately position ADM for growth as a global leader in natural citrus ingredients, with a complete range of innovative citrus solutions and systems for food, beverage and fragrance customers.”

The Ziegler Group transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2019.

“Citrus is one of the fastest-growing, highest-demand flavors for food and beverages, which is why the creation of a global citrus platform offering a complete product line for our customers is such an important capability for our growth strategy,” Mr. Macciocchi said.