IRELAND – Ireland-based Ingredients company Valeo Foods Group has boosted its position in the North American market by acquiring Appalaches Nature, a notable player in the maple syrup industry. 

This acquisition marks Valeo’s second venture into the North American maple syrup market, following its purchase of Canadian maple syrup producer Les Industries Bernard & Fils in 2022.

Valeo Foods, which came under the ownership of Bain Capital in 2021, boasts a diverse portfolio that includes well-known brands such as Rowse honey, Kettle crisps, Jacob’s biscuits, and Batchelors peas and beans. 

The company also owns the maple syrup brand Buckwud.

Appalaches Nature, established in 2018 and based in Thetford Mines, Québec, operates from a 100,000-square-foot facility. 

The company serves markets in Canada, the US, and Europe with its range of maple syrup products, including brands like Sunny Via, Maple Joe, and Biodelices, which also offer maple sugars and maple-syrup-based confections.

While Valeo Foods did not disclose the financial details of the acquisition, the company, headquartered in Dublin, generates annual sales of approximately €1.2 billion (US$1.3 billion). 

The current management team at Appalaches Nature will continue to lead the company, which will be integrated with Les Industries Bernard & Fils. 

This integration is expected to leverage synergies and complementary manufacturing capabilities to accelerate the growth of the combined business.

Ronald Kers, former CEO of the UK’s 2 Sisters Food Group, now heads Valeo Foods, having joined the company last year. 

This acquisition adds to a series of strategic purchases by Valeo Foods aimed at expanding its global footprint. 

In May, the company acquired Italian cakes and pastries producer Dal Colle, following previous acquisitions in Italy, such as Industria Dolciaria Pattini in 2023, Val D’Enza in 2017, and Balconi in 2015.

In 2021, Valeo Foods expanded its UK operations by acquiring Freshers Foods, a supplier of savory snacks and co-manufacturer of pork scratchings. 

That same year, the company also acquired New World Foods Europe, known for its Wild West beef jerky brand.

Since its inception in 2010, Valeo Foods has completed 19 acquisitions across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, continuously strengthening its position in the global food industry.

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