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Lactalis Canada has reached an agreement with Agropur Cooperative to acquire parts of its fine cheese division including brands OKA, Monsieur Gustav and L’Extra; two production facilities, as well as its fine cheese import activities.
In a press release, the Canadian division of Lactalis Group of Laval, France outlined what is involved.
“This acquisition reflects Lactalis Canada’s clear ambition in this country: to lead through investment in efficient capacity and capability building; trusted national brands including customer brands and strong partnerships across the dairy value chain,” Mark Taylor, president and chief executive officer, Lactalis Canada said in the release.
No financial terms were discolosed and a Lactalis representative told FoodNX in an email that the deal is subject to regular closing conditions and must be approved by the Competition Bureau.
Deal will add 400 workers, two manufacturing operations
Lactalis Canada will also receive two Quebec production facilities — in Oka and Saint-Hyacinthe — and add approximately 400 employees to its 4,500-person workforce across Canada, according to the company.
“In keeping with Lactalis Group’s respect for the terroirs and pride in global cheesemaking expertise, we are committed to preserving the authenticity and quality of these award-winning brands. This extends to being an active member of the Oka and St-Hyacinthe communities; supporting employees, farmers and partners and contributing meaningfully to the people and places that have shaped these beloved brands,” Taylor said.
“We place great value on this cheese portfolio being steeped in heritage and deeply intertwined within the fabric of Quebec.”
Agropur is a cooperative, founded in 1938, and today is owned by 2,700 dairy farmers. It is the largest dairy cooperative in Canada, according to its website.
Last year, it’s 7,000 employees produced 6.7 billion litres of milk, representing $8.9 billion in sales.
“This acquisition represents a major opportunity for Lactalis to build on flagship Quebec brands and outstanding cheesemaking expertise. It strengthens our position in the Canadian market and supports our ambition to provide consumers with healthy, high-quality dairy products, driven by excellence and innovation,” Emmanuel Besnier, chairman of Lactalis Group, said in the same release.
Acquisition adds to historic brand
Lactalis Canada has more than 140 years of operation and includes such brand names as Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, P’tit Québec, Balderson and Astro.
It has more than 30 operating sites including 19 manufacturing facilities across Canada.
Since 2018, the company has been active in acquisitions, including its $1.62-billion acquisition of Kraft Heinz’s natural cheese business in Canada. It is now the largest branded consumer packaged goods company in Canada, according to Lactalis.
It has also invested more than $900 million in recent upgrades, including a 379,000‑square‑foot distribution centre in Oshawa, Ont.
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