Upfield closes acquisition of plant-based cheese manufacturer Arivia

Plant-based butter and spreads producer Upfield Group has completed the acquisition of dairy-free cheese manufacturer Arivia.

Upfield Europe, one of its group companies, executed the deal.

Headquartered in Greece, Arivia produces plant-based dairy and dairy-free products that are primarily made with coconut oil. They are available in a wide range of flavours and formats.

Upfield Group CEO David Haines said: “Bringing together plant-based margarines and cheeses under one roof is a natural fit, and we’re confident that the combined expertise of both companies will continue to drive exciting growth and innovation in the plant-based food sector.”

Neither company has divulged any financial details.

The deal was first announced in October when Upfield Europe signed a share purchase agreement with Arivia, the owner of brand VIOLIFE.

The completion of the deal will allow the company to enter a new sector and explore additional growth opportunities.

The deal will combine Arivia’s product proposition and Upfield’s marketing expertise, infrastructure and global distribution network.

As a result of this strategic acquisition, Arivia and its VIOLIFE brand will become part of the Upfield Group of companies and join its household names, including Flora, Rama, Country Crock, Blue Band, and Proactiv.

Last September, Country Crock launched the new dairy-free Country Crock Plant Butter.

Made with plant-based oils, the new Country Crock Plant Butter features oils from olives, avocados and almonds. They are also gluten-free and kosher-certified.