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Belgian dairy companies Vache Bleue Group and Flanders Food Production (FFP) have merged to form the European Dairy Company.
The new holding, with a combined turnover of around €500 million, aims to strengthen the companies’ market positions in private label and own branded products.
Vache Bleue, founded in 1927, is best known in Belgium and France for its brands including Vache Bleue, Dilea Zero Lactose and Valmartin. It also offers private label and freshly packed cheeses, and has three production sites in Belgium, France and Germany.
FFP cuts, grates and portions cheese, and has expertise in private label products. It was established in 2003 and is headquartered in Lommel, Belgium. Together, the two companies offer a wide range of grated, sliced and packaged cheese products for retail and foodservice.
In a statement announcing the merger, the companies emphasised that European Dairy Company will retain ‘firm ties’ with its country of origin, continuing to operate from existing sites with day-to-day operations remaining unchanged for current employees.
Further expansion plans are on the agenda to increase production capacity, with each entity’s current management to be retained, focusing on commercial cooperation and synergy in export markets.
Free Vroome, CEO of Vache Bleue Group, said: “By joining forces, we have obtained a strong position in the dairy market. This gives Vache Bleue Group access to FFP’s expertise and technology. We exploit synergies, optimise investments and build a better position in all markets without losing sight of our Belgian roots.”
Axel Van de Poel, CEO of FFP, said that FFP can now rely on its own cheese production in Germany while tapping into new markets with Vache Bleue Group’s products.
He added: “The investment power of our new group enables us to deliver what customers expect: strong products, fast deliveries and high quality, supported by modern technology.”
“By pooling our expertise and focusing on growth, market expansion and innovation, we offer our teams the best opportunities to continue to grow together.”
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