FRANCE—Compagnie Léa Nature, one of France’s largest suppliers of “natural” and organic food completed the acquisition of a 40% stake in Alpes Biscuits, saying the deal would “strengthen” its business centered around its Ekibio unit.
Compagnie Léa Nature first invested in Ekibio in 2011, buying majority control three years later. With its 220 employees, the group aims to unite the organic sector and make products accessible, for a healthier, more eco-friendly and more sustainable world.
Alpes Biscuits, founded in Estrablin, south of Lyon, makes a spread of natural biscuits, snack bars and pastry merchandise. The company’s flagship emblem is Bio Soleil. In 2021, the SME grew its turnover by way of 17% to US$6.4 million.
Present in the organic distribution network, its brand of biscuits and cereal bars Bio Soleil is in line with the commitments of the Ekibio portfolio.
Ekibio is present in a range of categories, from rice and pasta to crispbread and gluten-free products. Its biscuits business is centred around Bisson.
Thierry Chiesa, managing director of Compagnie Léa Nature’s Ekibio division, said: “This acquisition reflects our desire to strengthen our organic biscuit activity in the organic store circuit.
The proximity of the Alpes Biscuits manufacturing sites to Ekibio is also conducive to strengthening the cultural and innovation values of our companies.”
The Bio Soleil brand, leader in organic pastry cakes and biscuits, perfectly complements the Bisson brand with strong commitments in terms of indulgence.
In a statement, Compagnie Léa Nature mentioned Ekibio and Alpes Biscuits may just have the benefit of “such a lot of synergies”, and that Joining forces would create a “strong business in the biscuit category of organic food stores”.
Laura Ollivier Gallippi, general manager of Alpes Biscuits, added: “The alliance of our strengths with those of Ekibio is a coherent choice which will enable us to respond together to the challenges of tomorrow.
We share the same history and the same commitments as pioneers in the organic sector and are completely complementary in our biscuit know-how.”
Compagnie Léa Nature is rooted in a holistic approach. It takes care to integrate local sectors in the development of its products and to develop eco-designed and recyclable packaging in order to reduce its climate impact.
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