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Arla Foods, the global dairy cooperative, has announced the acquisition of Australian family-owned cottage cheese producer Brancourts to expand its local production capacity. The transaction, which is expected to close within the coming weeks, will be executed through Arla Foods Mayer Australia (AFMA), Arla’s joint venture with Australian specialty food distributor Mayers Fine Food. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The acquisition provides Arla with an established manufacturing platform in Australia. It enables the company to broaden its presence beyond its existing strengths in the butter and cheese categories, where its brands Lurpak and Castello hold strong market positions. Brancourts, which is based in Hexham, New South Wales, produces cottage cheese, sour cream and sweetened condensed milk using locally sourced Australian milk.
Lillie Li Valeur, executive vice-president of Arla International, stated: “Australia is a highly attractive market for Arla, and we have confidence in its long-term potential. The country combines a stable economy, high purchasing power, population growth as well as strong dairy traditions with high consumption and a sophisticated retail environment similar to Europe”.
According to Arla, the Australian cottage cheese segment has recorded over 40% volume growth year-on-year, driven by changing consumer preferences focusing on health, protein, versatility and everyday cooking.
Source: ESM / FoodBev
