Fuerst Day Lawson (FDL), supplier of seeds and natural ingredients to the baking industry, can now supply sesame seeds processed in India.

This is the result of a partnership with Amira Tanna Industries. "This partnership will blend the operating and origination experience of our Indian partners and the extensive coverage of the European customer base by FDL," said Frank Horan, divisional director of FDL’s Seeds and Natural Products Division. "It gives FDL full control of the supply of sesame seeds from the origin to the customer."

FDL has agreed to take an equity interest in Amira Tanna’s sesame processing business, giving it exclusive rights to the output of the Ahmedabad plant, which can process 6,000 tonnes of sesame seeds a year using the newest technology. This includes a Buhler Sortex Z3 optical colour sorting machine.

Seeds will be supplied direct from Ahmedabad or go through FDL’s processing and packing plant at Little Walden near Cambridge in the UK, depending on the market.

"All through the process, the seed is controlled to the most exacting standards," said Horan. "We see this investment as a further commitment by FDL to sourcing and shipping the raw materials needed by our expanding customer base."

He added: "It follows on from our investment in a state-of-the-art cleaning and blending facility for speciality seeds at our Little Walden plant. FDL can supply sesame seeds with a guarantee of quality."