Mondelēz International to acquire Australian cracker firm Gourmet Food

Mondelēz International has signed an agreement to acquire Gourmet Food Holdings, an Australian food company that specialises in making biscuit and cracker products.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The transaction also includes Gourmet Food’s pre-packaged seafood business, including the Ocean Blue brand.

Gourmet Food operates from Melbourne and owns several brands such as OB finest, Olina’s Bakehouse and Crispbic.

With this acquisition, Mondelēz International seeks to bolster its footprint in the premium crackers and biscuits segments in Australia and New Zealand. The company will also provide Gourmet Food with the necessary resources to fuel growth.

Mondelēz International chairman and CEO Dirk Van de Put said: “This is a great strategic asset for us in a very important market.

“With our iconic biscuit brands such as Oreo and belVita, as well as our leadership in chocolate with Cadbury, this acquisition will accelerate our broader snacking leadership in Australia and New Zealand.”

Mondelēz International Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa EVP and president Maurizio Brusadelli said: “With fast-growing premium and well-being products, strong customer relationships and agile, local manufacturing, these brands will be a great complement to our local portfolio.

“We are excited to welcome Oliver, Todd and the entire Gourmet Food team to our organisation.”

The acquisition is slated to close next month.

In January, Mondelēz International acquired Hu Master Holdings, the parent company of premium snacks and chocolate manufacturer Hu Products.