Agropur acquires Foremost Farms USA’s dry blending business

Canadian dairy cooperative Agropur has completed the acquisition of Foremost Farms USA’s dry blending business, as part of its strategy to boost its footprint in the baking and blending segment.

Foremost Farms USA is a supplier of cheese, dairy products and ingredients to domestic and international markets, and also offers innovative solutions, technical services and customised products, ingredients and packaging to foodservice, food processing, distribution and pharmaceutical customers.

Following the acquisition, Agropur now owns brands such as Reddi-Sponge, PZ-44, Econo Bake, Dairy Bake, Nutrimix and Baker’s Special, which will be marketed by its affiliate Main Street Ingredients.

Main Street Ingredients provides ingredients to the dairy, nutritional and food processing industries for applications in ice cream, frozen desserts, cheese, bakery, nutritional beverages, confections, etc.

Its brands include Keystone, Cornerstone, Capstone and Gemstone.

Commenting on the acquisition, Agropur chief executive officer Robert Coallier said, "The Ingredients Business is an important sector for the future growth of our organisation in the US, and this investment, which is in keeping with Agropur’s strategies, will allow us to grow in the baking and blending industry."

Foremost Farms and Agropur will work closely to ensure a smooth transition of orders, deliveries and billings.

Agropur ingredients vice president Reneck Cayen said that the company’s focus will continue to be its customers, innovation and the ongoing development of its branded products.

Agropur, which has 25 plants across Canada and the US, processes nearly 7 billion lbs of milk annually, and its brands include Schroeder, Québon, Oka, Sealtest, Natrel, Island Farms, Yoplait and La Lacteo.

The company operates seven facilities in the US, four of which are located in Wisconsin.

Agropur’s last investment in the US was in December 2010 when it acquired Main Street Ingredients, a provider of functional food products that is located in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

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Image: The acquisition of Foremost Farms USA’s dry blending business enables Agropur to strengthen its presence in the baking and blending industry. Photo courtesy of Agropur cooperative.