FrieslandCampina to Acquire Cheese Packer IDB Belgium
IDB Belgium is also a specialist packer of several branded products. In 2011, IDB Belgium reported sales of about € 100 million. The company is one of the largest packers in Belgium and its products are sold to retailers as well as to food producers and the foodservice sector.
12 June 2012 --- Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. has entered into an agreement with Irish Dairy Board to acquire IDB Belgium N.V. IDB Belgium is one of the largest Belgian packers of continental cheeses. The company packs cheeses for a number of international clients, sells its products domestically and exports to eleven countries. IDB Belgium is also a specialist packer of several branded products. In 2011, IDB Belgium reported sales of about € 100 million.
“With this acquisition FrieslandCampina expands its market position with prepacked cheese for both retailers and foodservice (catering and restaurants)", explains Piet Hilarides, Chief Operating Officer Royal FrieslandCampina and, as such, responsible for the Business group Cheese, Butter & Milkpowder. "This acquisition contributes to our growth objective as laid down in our strategy route2020.”
Luc Lamberigts, General Manager IDB Belgium commented: “Our company’s strong potential can best be realised with the support of a strategic partner who can help create greater synergies. The Dutch FrieslandCampina, one of the world’s largest dairy companies with offices and facilities in 26 countries and products sold in more than 100 countries, is that kind of partner.”
With a 50-year history, IDB Belgium is a packer of hard and semi-hard cheeses. The company is one of the largest packers in Belgium and its products are sold to retailers (both under brands and private label) as well as to food producers and the foodservice sector. IDB Belgium has been a subsidiary of the Irish Dairy Board since 1988. Then in March 2011, the activities of IDB Belgium were brought into a separate legal entity (N.V.).
IDB Belgium has one production facility in Genk (Belgium) that consists of fifteen packaging lines with a large variety of slicing and packaging forms and size options, from 15 grams to 6 kilograms. The plant employs around 160 people.
