WhiteWave completes acquisition of So Delicious Dairy Free for $195m

Consumer packaged food and beverages company WhiteWave Foods has completed the acquisition of So Delicious Dairy Free in the US.

The company financed the $195m acquisition with the existing cash balances and credit. The companies announced the deal in September.

So Delicious’s 100% plant-based and GMO-certified product includes dairy-free frozen desserts, beverages, cultured products and coffee creamers.

WhiteWave chairman and CEO Gregg Engles said: "So Delicious is an outstanding company and a unique player in the market, and its portfolio of plant-based beverages, creamers, cultured products and frozen desserts will provide WhiteWave with significant growth opportunities in the dynamic plant-based food and beverage space."

So Delicious CEO previously said: "For over 25 years, So Delicious has been dedicated to making delicious and responsible, 100% plant-based, non-GMO foods and beverages.

"WhiteWave shares our passion for uncompromising commitment to non-GMO integrity, environmental stewardship and sustainability. This combination will give us an opportunity to grow our portfolio of dairy-free solutions, and introduce the benefits of dairy-free living to more families."

The acquisition will complement WhiteWave’s own brands of plant-based foods and beverages, coffee creamers and beverages in North America and Europe.

The company’s portfolio in North America includes Silk plant-based foods and beverages, International Delight coffee creamers and beverages, Horizon Organic premium dairy products and Earthbound Farm certified organic salads, fruits and vegetables. In Europe, its plant-based foods and beverages include Alpro and Provamel.