FrieslandCampina Acquires Mozzarella Business
Eurpean dairy co-operative FrieslandCampina is expanding its cheese portfolio with the takeover of Belgian-based mozzarella maker Fabrelac for an undisclosed sum. Fabrelac mainly produces cow milk mozzarella, which is processed in other foods. The acquisition provides FrieslandCampina with entry to the fast growing mozzarella market.
Bas van den Berg, executive director of FrieslandCampina Cheese, Butter and Milkpowder, remarks: “With this acquisition, we will be expanding our production capacity by adding a modern and efficient production facility close to our co-operative base. The transaction will enable us to offer our customers a wide range of mozzarella products in addition to our existing cheese portfolio.”
Established in Bree, Belgium, in 1993, Fabrelac extended its production facility from 6,500 to 30,000 square meters in 2012. A year later, the company launched a fully automated production system. The maximum annual production capacity is 30 million kg of mozzarella.
In addition to mozzarella for use as pizza topping, amongst other things, the company also makes salad cheese, whey ingredients and cream.
The acquisition is subject to approval of competition authorities.
