ST. LOUIS — Tokyo-based Nikken Foods Company Ltd. has acquired the Nikken Foods division of Lilar Corp. and incorporated it into Nikken Foods USA, Inc.

"The establishment of Nikken Foods USA, Inc. lays the foundation for continued growth in North America," said Yosuke Mizuno, president of Nikken Foods Company Ltd. "In the future we would like to research and develop new products in the U.S. for local production."

In addition to the incorporation of Nikken Foods USA, Inc. a new brand identity has been introduced by the company.

"Our new green identity is a symbol of our global approach to reliability and consistency as the market leader in natural flavors," said George Armenta, president of Nikken Foods USA.