Dutch dairy cooperative Royal FrieslandCampina has entered in to an agreement with MYWO Food to acquire cheese specialist Zijerveld and its packaging unit Den Hollander Food for an undisclosed amount.
The move is part of the co-operative's strategy to strengthen its presence in added value cheese products.
The acquisition will allow FrieslandCampina Cheese to offer its customers a wide range of cheese products and package of services.
Royal FrieslandCampina chief executive officer Cees 't Hart said that the investment is in line with the company's strategy to become a preferred supplier in various market segments.
"Zijerveld complements our existing business in the pre-pack segment and contributes to further value growth for our customers, in particular in the fresh counter segment with specialty cheeses," Hart said.
Zijerveld, located in Bodegraven, provides Dutch-type cheeses and cheeses from foreign countries, and also offers customized concepts and logistics services to customers. The business owns ripening warehouses, packaging and logistics, and employs about 300 people.
The cheese specialist operates three commercial divisions: 'Retail', 'Traditional & Out of Home' and 'International Markets'. It has annual sales of €400m.
Den Hollander Food, the packaging business unit of Zijerveld, owns thirteen packaging lines and three grated cheese lines, and it employs 140 people. It focuses on sliced cheeses in various re-closable packages, and its products are primarily targeted towards large European retailers and other cheese producers.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
