The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Windoria, the new combined entity following the merger of La Doria and Winland Foods, has acquired Saudi Arabian sauce and condiment manufacturer Al-Fursan Al-Maghawear (Al-Fursan).

The acquisition, expected to close by the end of October, marks the first-ever majority transaction in Saudi Arabia by a company backed by a European private equity firm (InvestIndustrial).

Al-Fursan, together with its subsidiaries Al-Faris Al-Arabi Trading and Al-Faris Food Industries, produces and distributes sauces and condiments as well as other shelf-stable food products. It is particularly known for its ketchup and vinegar products, with Baidar among its several nationally recognised brands.

The milestone acquisition will support global growth and an expansion of Windoria’s portfolio to the Middle East and Asia. Windoria has almost $4 billion in sales, with 29 manufacturing facilities and 5,000 employees.

Al-Fursan has 300 employees and a modern manufacturing facility in Riyadh, as well as a distribution network comprising six sales offices and seven warehouse across Saudi Arabia.

InvestIndustrial, the majority owner of Windoria, noted that the Gulf Cooperation Council region offers significant opportunities, especially within the fast-growing private label sector. Through the transaction, Windoria and Al-Fursan will leverage both local and regional expertise to support expansion and innovation in the Middle East.

The acquisition was made possible by InvestIndustrial’s decision to establish a physical presence in the region through a strategic partnership and trust developed with the Saudi Industrial Development Fund Investment Company.

The deal further highlights the private equity firm’s broader ambitions in the Middle East and Asia. Over the past year, InvestIndustrial has completed add-on investments with a combined enterprise value of approximately €500 million across both regions, with portfolio companies now operating 25 manufacturing facilities throughout Asia and the Middle East.

Andrea C. Bonomi, chairman of the industrial advisory board of InvestIndustrial, said: “We are proud to announce the first acquisition in Saudi Arabia, in a sector where we have deep expertise and which has significant opportunity for growth”.

“We expect private label penetration to increase materially across the Middle East and Asia in the coming years, creating an exceptional opportunity to accelerate category development and capture untapped potential for Windoria, the global leader in the space.”