Bell Food Group acquires Aryzta Switzerland sandwich assets

Bell Food Group subsidiary Hilcona has agreed to acquire Aryzta Switzerland’s sandwich production business for an undisclosed sum.

As part of the deal, Hilcona will acquire Aryzta’s production premises located in Schlieren and will take on around 25 employees. Aryzta Switzerland’s sandwich assets will join Hilcona’s production site in Orbe, Vaud, with its approximately 500 employees.

With the acquisition, the Bell Food Group subsidiary will expand its manufacturing capacity and further solidify its position in the freshly prepared sandwiches market. Hilcona supplies a range of fresh products such as pasta and ready meals to the retail market.

Under the terms of the agreement, Hilcona will add to its production capacity for daily-prepared fresh sandwiches from 1 August 2021 onwards.

“Freshly baked bread and the highest-quality ingredients are still the most important recipe for success,” said Lorenz Wyss, CEO of the Bell Food Group.

“With proximity to the customer, innovation and traditional manufactory quality, we will stand out from our competitors in the growing market for ultra-fresh products.”

Last month, Aryzta signed an agreement to sell its North American business to an affiliate of US private equity firm Lindsay Goldberg for $850 million, as part of its efforts to reduce debt.