FrieslandCampina set to close its Bree mozzarella production site

FrieslandCampina is exploring the closure of its mozzarella production site in Bree, Belgium, as it claims that the site no longer fits into its long-term business strategy.

A statement from the company says that the production site does not live up to profitability expectations, and the FrieslandCampina “does not consider continuation of its exploitation to be sensible.”

The closure of the site will affect 28 employees, and the formal information and consultation process started yesterday.

Hans Meeuwis, president of FrieslandCampina Dairy Essentials said: “We understand that this is hard for the employees and the management involved and we will offer them appropriate support.

“We have looked at solutions. Unfortunately, they did not lead to a positive outcome. Based on this, we decided to investigate the closure of the production site.

“An important part of our strategy is adding more value to basic dairy (cheese, milk powder and butter). That is why mozzarella – for FrieslandCampina – remains an important addition to the existing cheese assortment.

“FrieslandCampina will keep exploring the opportunities to further strengthen its position in this market.”