FrieslandCampina to acquire cheese distributor Jana Foods

FrieslandCampina has agreed a deal to acquire US-based cheese importer and distributor Jana Foods for an undisclosed sum, strengthening its position in the US speciality cheese market.

Jana Foods imports and markets FrieslandCampina’s Dutch cheese products in the US, along with other fine cheeses from the UK, Denmark, Australia, Ireland and others.

The companies have already worked together for several years to establish a strong market position for FrieslandCampina’s international cheese brands in the US, such as Kroon Cheese and Gayo Azul.

Jana Foods will be integrated into the FrieslandCampina Consumer Dairy USA business, and the former owner and CEO of Jana Foods Dan Lynch will remain involved in the business as its vice-president of imports and senior commercial advisor.

Roel van Neerbos, president of FrieslandCampina Consumer Dairy said: “This acquisition supports our strategy of investing for growth. This investment is in line with our strategy to grow our cheese business and strengthens our position in The Americas.

“This deal will allow us to offer consumers a wider portfolio of innovative products for the US market.”