Dean Foods sells Rachel’s to Lactalis

America’s largest dairy processor Dean Foods, is selling its Rachel’s Organic brand business in the UK to a subsidiary of one of Europe’s biggest dairy processors, French company Groupe Lactalis.

In the 1980s, Aberystwyth-​based Rachel’s became the UK’s first certified organic dairy and operated independently until being acquired by US-​based Horizon Organic Dairy in 1999. Horizon became part of Dean Foods in 2004. Rachel’s is now the second largest organic dairy brand in the UK.

Rachel’s new owner, Lactalis, best known internationally for brands such as President and Galbani, is France’s second-​largest producer of organic products, but has only recently entered the organic yogurt market with its Lactel brand.

A spokeswoman for Dean Foods said: “Certain subsidiaries of Dean Foods and BSA International, a company under common control with Groupe Lactalis, have entered into an agreement in which BSA International will acquire Dean Foods’ Rachel’s UK business.

“Rachel’s is a premium yogurt brand which carries with it a rich history and strong brand equity as the second-​largest organic dairy brand in the UK. This transaction allows Dean Foods to grow the core elements of its portfolio that will yield the greatest return for shareholders. It remains business as usual at Rachel’s at this time.”

See also

Latest news

• The Bel Group to construct new US production plant
• Arla Foods begins development of fresh milk dairy
• Tillamook Cheese Factory makes employee cuts
• Serbian Milk Processors sign agreement to boost milk process
• FrieslandCampina to acquire Imlek and Mlekara Subotica