Dole Food Company has announced it has sold its Saba Fresh Cuts AB and Saba Fresh Cuts OY subsidiaries to Bama International.
Saba Fresh Cuts AB, with a production facility in Helsingborg, Sweden, and Saba Fresh Cuts OY, with a production site in Espoo, Finland, are producers of ready-to-eat salads.
The companies prepare and sell various fresh-cut salads and vegetables to the retail and foodservice industry in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany and the Baltic states.
The sale of Saba Fresh Cuts AB was a necessary condition of the European Commission’s approval of the investment by Total Produce into Dole in July 2018.
“I am very pleased with the outcome of this sale in meeting the EU’s requirement,” said Johan Linden, president and CEO of Dole Food Company. “I am confident that Saba Fresh Cuts will be in good hands under Bama’s ownership.”
Bama Group CEO Rune Flaen said: “We are pleased to announce this agreement with Dole for Saba Fresh Cuts. Convenience products and ready-to-eat salads and vegetables is a fast-growing category in all markets, and Saba Fresh Cuts is a solid and very professional player, with a strong organisation and high-quality products. We look forward to working together.”
Dole said the transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019.
Earlier this year, Ireland-based fresh produce distributor Total Produce acquired a 45% stake in Dole Foods Company for €242 million. Total Produce purchased the shares from Dole chairman David Murdock, who previously owned 100% of the company.
Source: FoodBev
Danone has appointed Carla Hilhorst to the newly created position of senior vice president of research and innovation categories and zones, as the company looks to make science the heart of its business. Hilhorst, who brings over 30 years of experience in research and innovation, will report directly to Isabelle Esser, Danone’s chief research, innovation, quality and food safety officer.
The move, part of Pernod Ricard’s strategy to enhance its premiumisation efforts, will allow the company to focus more resources on its portfolio of premium international spirits and champagne brands that drive the growth of its business. This decision aligns with the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees, clients and partners.
Schai – who is the current CEO of Swiss chocolate company Lindt & Sprüngli’s Australian operation – has previously worked with Aryzta from 2015-2018, where he served in roles including managing director for Asia Pacific and global strategic business lead (McDonald’s). The fast-food giant McDonald’s is one of Aryzta’s significant clients.
