WESTPORT, CONNECTICUT, U.S. — H.J. Baker & Bro., Inc. announced on April 3 that it has purchased Rumiphos Industria e Comercio de Sal Mineral e Racoes located in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Rumiphos has been producing free choice minerals and protein supplements for ruminants for more than 10 years with a strong reputation for producing quality products.   
 
H.J. Baker also announced that it has purchased Mineral Fanton Industrial e Comercio Ltda., located in Sao Paulo, Brazil, an established producer of free choice minerals for beef cattle, and feed for cattle, horses and sheep.  Fanton, a well-known farm mineral company, has been operating for 28 years in eight states in Brazil and has a strong reputation for high quality products and outstanding customer service.
 
H. J. Baker is a fourth-generation, family-owned firm that is well known for creating sophisticated protein blends for the dairy and poultry industries.  The acquisitions of Rumiphos and Fanton are part of H.J. Baker strategy to establish a stronger presence in international agricultural emerging markets.  H.J. Baker has been active in Brazil for more than a year.
 
“We are pleased to announce the purchases of Rumiphos and Fanton. We all know that natural forages and pastures can be mineral deficient and protein deficient in the cold season,” said Christopher V. B. Smith, president and chief executive officer of H. J. Baker.  “Providing beef cattle, horses and sheep free choice minerals helps produce healthier herds, increased growth and improved reproduction. Rumiphos and Fanton are producing free choice minerals of the same high quality and standards that we maintain for all our products.”
 
As H. J. Baker continues to expand its international presence, it is launching sales and production facilities in agribusiness sectors where H.J. Baker has established expertise.   
 
“We are excited to be here. Rumiphos and Fanton have established sales forces that are eager to work with cattle ranchers and farmers,” said Francisco Olbrich, country manager for H. J. Baker do Brasil. “Having the resources of H.J. Baker behind us will allow us to grow and meet the needs of this growing industry. This market is eager for H. J. Baker’s presence.”
 
“H.J. Baker’s ability to develop meaningful agribusiness solutions to address market challenges makes our interest in the growing beef cattle industry in Brazil and the need to address mineral deficiencies a natural fit,” Smith said. “Our business philosophy also makes the acquisition of Rumiphos and Fanton a natural fit.  Brazil has a remarkable agricultural industry and I believe we can be a positive part of that as we bring free choice minerals to beef cattle, as well as horses and sheep.”