Mondelēz International has announced the acquisition of Australian premium cracker company Gourmet Food Holdings, for an undisclosed amount.
The move to purchase Gourmet Food, which includes brands such as OB finest, Olina’s Bakehouse and Crispbic, aims to strengthen Mondelēz’s position in the premium biscuit and cracker category.
Gourmet Food currently supplies Australia and New Zealand with on-trend products that span the health and wellness categories.
“This is a great strategic asset for us in a very important market,” said Dirk Van de Put, chairman and CEO of Mondelēz. “With our iconic biscuit brands such as Oreo and belVita, as well as our leadership in chocolate with Cadbury, this acquisition will accelerate our broader snacking leadership in Australia and New Zealand.”
Oliver Flint, current COO of Gourmet Food, has been appointed as the company’s managing director. Meanwhile, co-founder and CEO Todd Wilson will remain with the business as an advisor. A statement from Mondelēz said that the company will provide Gourmet Food with “resources to accelerate growth while leveraging its manufacturing, research and development capabilities”.
“With fast-growing premium and wellbeing products, strong customer relationships and agile, local manufacturing, these brands will be a great complement to our local portfolio,” said Maurizio Brusadelli, EVP and president, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Mondelēz. “We are excited to welcome Oliver, Todd and the entire Gourmet Food team to our organisation.”
Gourmet Food’s prepackaged seafood business, including the Ocean Blue brand, are included in the transaction.
Mondelēz has highlighted its intentions to strengthen its position in the high-growth snacking sector, with recent acquisitions including Hu Master Holdings, Give & Go and Perfect Snacks.
The transaction of Gourmet Foods is expected to close in April.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024
