Lactalis Canada, the Canadian dairy leader behind iconic brands, such as Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro, and Lactantia, and a subsidiary of France-based Lactalis Group, is adding Kraft Heinz’s grated cheese business to its growing portfolio as part of the group’s U.S. affiliate completing its acquisition of Kraft Heinz’s natural, grated, cultured, and specialty cheese businesses in the U.S. and entire international cheese business outside North America.
Under the terms of the agreement, the acquisition includes the Kraft Heinz grated cheese business in Canada, marking Lactalis Canada’s entry into the ambient category, a first for the dairy leader. As part of this transaction, Lactalis Canada acquires production capability which remains at Kraft Heinz’s plant in Montreal, Quebec.
The addition of the Kraft Heinz grated cheese business builds on Lactalis Canada’s growth strategy, which includes the 2019 acquisition of Kraft Heinz Canada’s natural cheese business, as well as the March 2021 acquisition of Agropur’s Ultima Foods, comprised of the IÖGO, IÖGO nanö, and Olympic brands.
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“The integration of Kraft Heinz’s grated cheese business enhances Lactalis Canada’s capacity and capability to provide Canadian consumers with quality household brands and perfectly complements our growing portfolio of broad-based dairy products with the addition of parmesan,” says Mark Taylor, president & CEO, Lactalis Canada. “As the third-largest branded retail manufacturer in Canada, this transaction reinforces our long-term investment in Canada and its food processing sector and marks Lactalis Canada’s foray into this part of the category.”
Named on Forbes 2021 list of Canada’s Best Employers, Lactalis Canada (formerly Parmalat Canada) has more than 30 operating sites, including 19 manufacturing facilities, and directly employs 4,000 Canadians.
