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Belgian bakery group Vandemoortele has completed the final phase of its acquisition of US-based Banneton Bakery, taking full ownership of the New Jersey manufacturer as it strengthens its North American production footprint.

The transaction concludes a strategic integration process that began in April 2024, when Vandemoortele acquired an 80% majority stake in Banneton Bakery. Based in Swedesboro, New Jersey, the company manufactures premium artisan-style croissants, Danish pastries and other laminated dough products for the foodservice and retail sectors.

Vandemoortele said the acquisition marks a significant milestone in its North American growth strategy by establishing a domestic US manufacturing base. The company expects the facility to complement its existing European import infrastructure, creating a hybrid production and supply model designed to improve logistics, increase flexibility and respond more quickly to customer demand.

Curt Coolidge, general manager of Vandemoortele North America, said: "Completing the acquisition of Banneton Bakery is an exciting step forward that reinforces our unwavering commitment to being a trusted partner to our North American customers."

He added: "We are excited to fully integrate the Swedesboro facility into our operations, allowing us to deliver the ultimate one-stop-shop experience for authentic, premium freezer-to-oven croissants and pastries."

As part of the transition, Alexandre Bloch, previously with Vandemoortele France, has been appointed operations manager for the site. The Banneton brand will continue to operate within Vandemoortele's US portfolio alongside Banquet d'Or, with the company confirming that operations and customer service for its retail and foodservice partners will continue uninterrupted.

The acquisition expands Vandemoortele's manufacturing capabilities in the US as the European bakery specialist continues to grow its presence in the North American frozen bakery market. The family-owned company operates manufacturing facilities across 12 European countries and exports bakery and plant-based food products to 90 countries worldwide.