Ardent Mills sells its Canadian sweet goods unit to Dawn Foods

Ardent Mills has divested its sweet goods business in Canada and its mix facility in Burlington, Ontario, to bakery ingredients supplier Dawn Foods.

The deal, which closed on 21 June, allows both companies to continue to focus on their core capabilities – Dawn on its bakery ingredient offerings and Ardent Mills on its flour business.

Ardent Mills will continue to supply flour to the Burlington facility under Dawn’s ownership.

“The acquisition of Ardent Mills’ Burlington plant will provide increased access to our industry-leading products for our Canadian customers,” said Carrie Jones-Barber, CEO of Dawn Foods.

“As we continue to focus our business on bakery ingredients, expanding our capabilities in Canada allows us to deliver our targeted insights, innovations, products and bakery expertise to even more bakeries across the country, empowering them to achieve their aspirations.”

Ardent Mills CEO Dan Dye added: “This mutually beneficial acquisition allows us to step away from sweet ingredient mixes and concentrate on flour and savoury mixes.

“Our team members and customers in Canada will be well taken care of by Dawn and we are committed to a smooth transition.”

Last year, Ardent Mills announced a collaboration with Arcadia Biosciences to develop and commercialise innovative wheat varieties.

The companies said that using Arcadia technology, the storage life of whole wheat flour can be extended by slowing the enzymatic processes that reduce shelf life.