PORTUGAL – Dawn Foods, an American wholesale manufacturer and distributor of breads and baked goods, is acquiring distributor of bakery products Icopa to strengthen its position in the Portuguese market.  

Icopa has three distribution centers in Portugal and offers a portfolio of bakery products such as bread mixes, packaging, utensils, and decorating supplies. 

Under the terms of the deal, Dawn Foods will gain access to these distribution centers, including one located directly next to its ingredient manufacturing plant in Palmela. 

Dawn Foods will as a result expand its overall distribution capabilities in Europe, ensuring bakeries have access to all the products and solutions needed to grow their business. 

“Dawn is committed to providing the best experience for our customers, and the addition of Icopa’s distribution capabilities, team members, and partnerships enables us to better serve and meet the needs of bakery customers in this region,” said Carrie Jones-Barber, CEO of Dawn Foods. 

The deal marks the company’s second acquisition in recent months, following the purchase of Poland-based Jabex, a supplier of ingredients and other solutions for the confectionery, bakery, and ice cream markets. 

It’s also a strategic acquisition as the European Bakery Market was estimated at US$226 billion in 2020 and is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of more than 3.3 % from 2020 to 2025, according to recent research by Research and Markets. 

The primary driver for the growth of the bread segment in the European countries is the increasing demand for bread containing whole grain, high in fiber, gluten-free, or healthy and fortified bread.  

Mordor Intelligence notes that such products are becoming increasingly popular with consumers, due to the enhanced uptake of the healthy lifestyle concept. 

To align with these changing consumer preferences, Dawn Foods recently added a range of frozen gluten-free sweet bakery items to its product line-up.  

The new offerings, which include filled muffins and a chocolate brownie, are made using Dawn’s gluten-free mixes and fillings in a gluten-free environment.  

Each item, according to the company, is supplied frozen and individually wrapped in printed film with full nutritional information. 

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