Agropur Cooperative is pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached, as of November 21, 2013, to acquire the assets of Fromagerie Damafro - including those of Fromagerie Clément - located in St-Damase, Quebec. Damafro is a family-run business, a major Quebec producer of fine traditional cheeses, and a Canadian leader in the production of Camembert and Brie. This transaction is subject to the usual conditions, and will be completed in the coming weeks.
"We are very excited about this acquisition," said Serge Riendeau, Chairman of Agropur. "This is a good fit which expands our presence in markets for superior-quality products in what is a fast-growing segment." Michel Bonnet, president of Damafro, commented: "My family and I are delighted that Damafro is becoming part of such a solid organization. Agropur will invest in the business and build on the efforts we have made over the years."
Damafro produces fresh milk cheeses and Greek yogurts. Its product line includes Bries and Camemberts such as Brie Snack, P'tit Connaisseur, Le Manoir, Le Trappeur double and triple crème, and goat cheeses such as Chèvre des Alpes, Le Chèvre Noir, Les Médaillons, Gouda de chèvre and many others. Since 2005, Damafro has been a leading processor of goat's milk in both Quebec and Canada, and distributes its cheeses in the U.S.
Damafro employs 195 people. Once integrated into Agropur, all employees will report to Agropur's Fine Cheese and Ingredients Division. "This acquisition strengthens Agropur's leading position in the production and marketing of fine cheese in Canada," said Robert Coallier, Chief Executive Officer of Agropur. "We will be able to offer our customers an even wider selection and continue innovating in the fine cheese sector."