Orkla Food Ingredients has agreed to acquire Swiss ingredients firm Hans Kaspar, in a move which it claims will strengthen its position in the confectionery and ice cream ingredients market.
Hans Kaspar specialises in the manufacture of speciality ingredients for chocolate and ice cream producers such as brittle, nougat and chocolate crisps.
Established in 1925, the company’s headquarters and production facilities are located outside of Zurich, Switzerland. The business currently has 31 employees and recorded annual turnover of CHF 13.3 million (approximately $14.5 million) in 2020 – with more than half coming from international sales.
The deal comes after Orkla acquired Northern Irish ice cream ingredients supplier Gortrush Trading and Icelandic confectionery company Nói Siríus.
“Hans Kaspar offers high-quality, speciality ingredients based on natural raw materials, adapted to modern consumer trends,” said Orkla president and CEO, Jaan Ivar Semlitsch.
“As a well-established company, with a long history, Hans Kaspar has customer relationships with several of Europe’s leading chocolate and ice cream manufacturers. The company has a strong position in a segment that Orkla knows well through our ingredients business.”
Upon completion of the transaction, Hans Kaspar will be integrated into the Orkla Food Ingredients business and become part of OV Group (formerly Orchard Valley Foods) – complementing its existing portfolio that includes Candeco, Confection by Design and Cake Décor.
Johan Clarin, Orkla executive vice president and CEO of Orkla Food Ingredients, said: “Hans Kaspar will expand OV Group’s geographical footprint and will enable OV Group to grow its position in Europe in line with Orkla Food Ingredients’ strategy.”
Following the acquisition, Hans Kaspar’s senior executives will remain with the company.
The deal – which has been made for an undisclosed sum – is expected to close during the third quarter 2021.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024
