USA – Global dairy company, FrieslandCampina has announced that it has acquired US based importer and distributor of cheese, Jana Foods for an undisclosed amount.
The acquisition builds the already existing relationship between FrieslandCampina and Jana Foods and further strengthens the former’s position in supplying Dutch specialty cheese to the US consumer.
Jana Foods imports and markets FrieslandCampina’s Dutch cheese in the United States, along with other fine cheeses from the UK, Denmark, Australia, Ireland and other countries.
The long-time partnership has helped establish a strong position for FrieslandCampina’s international cheese with the distribution of Kroon, A Dutch Masterpiece and Gayo Azul cheese brands.
“This acquisition supports our strategy of investing for growth.
This investment is in line with our strategy to grow our cheese business and strengthens our position in The Americas.
This deal will allow us to offer consumers a wider portfolio of innovative products for the US market,” said Roel van Neerbos, President FrieslandCampina Consumer Dairy.
As part of the transaction, Jana Foods will be integrated in the FrieslandCampina Consumer Dairy U.S.A. business.
Dan Lynch, former owner and CEO of Jana Foods will remain involved in the business as Vice President Imports and Senior Commercial Advisor.
FrieslandCampina products cover a wide range specialty imported Dutch cheeses from mild, aged & smoked Gouda to Edam; as well as Swiss Emmental and Goat Cheese.
Located in New Jersey, Jana Foods has facilities in San Francisco and Miami and is supplied by UK brand Wyke Farms and other companies in Australia, Denmark, Argentina, the Czech Republic, Greece, Italy and Hungary.
In August, FrieslandCampina announced that it had acquired the activities of Best Cheese Holland, including its brands Parrano and Tjiezi, in addition to an agreement to acquire the import and sales activities of Best Cheese in the US.
Recently, FrieslandCampina unveiled plans of weighing the future of its cheese plant in Bree, Belgium, including the possibility of a possible closure, a decision that would result in the loss of jobs for the 28 workers.
It had indicated that the facility was not living upto the company’s profitability expectations.
In November last year, the company made a similar move, closing its milk processing facility in Gütersloh, Germany.
