Saputo acquires blue cheese business
two brands of blue cheese and other assets from ConAgra Foods.
Canadian dairy firm Saputo has increased its US holdings by buying two brands of blue cheese and other assets from ConAgra Foods.
The Montreal-based company believes that the acquisition of the Treasure Cave and Nauvoo brands will help establish it as a leading player in the blue-cheese market.
Treasure Cave is the top-selling brand of blue cheese in the United States. Its products also include Greek Feta and Italian hard cheeses.
Saputo said annual revenues from the businesses will total about $20 million (€17m). The acquired brands will be integrated into the company's existing plants in the United States, most of which are in Wisconsin, and no new employees are likely be added to Saputo's workforce.
Saputo is the largest dairy processor in Canada and one of the leading cheese producers in North America. The public company operates in a number dairy and grocery products sectors.
Its products are marketed under well-known brands such as Saputo, Stella, Frigo, Dragone, Armstrong, Caron, Cayer, Dairyland, Baxter, Nutrilait and Vachon.
The group employs a staff of nearly 7,000 in 47 plants across North America.
