Kerry Group has brought its spending on acquisitions this year to about €600 million (£472.5 million) after buying four companies in the United States, the UK and Brazil for a combined €94 million.

Two of the acquisitions are in the flavours sector. Kerry has created a new global flavours division to be headed by the boss of its Mexican business, Mr Kevin Lane.

Flavours is a high margin business where variations such as hickory, smoked and other sweet and savoury types are created and then sold to flavourings firms such as McCormicks, IFF and Kerry's own ingredients business.

The two flavour companies acquired are both in the US - the Geneva Group which has operations in Wisconsin, Los Angeles and New Jersey, and Hickory Specialities, with plants in Tennessee and Missouri. Geneva has three subsidiaries which provide flavours and technology for savoury and sweet applications in the foodservice industry and for processed food manufacturers. Hickory Specialties produces liquid smoked flavours.

The two other acquisitions are in Kerry's ingredients business. Voyager Foods in the UK manufactures flavoured butters and sauces, while Sibir in Brazil is a leading branded supplier of ingredients for the ice cream and bakery sectors. It is thought that a number of other bolt-on acquisitions are likely before the end of the year.