Aryzta, the Swiss-based company, with Irishman Owen Killian at the helm, has bought La Rousse Foods, a premium foodservice provider in Ireland for an undisclosed amount.
The deal is subject to approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Authority and it will allow both businesses to grow premium foodservice offering locally and internationally, Aryzta says.
Established by chefs, for chefs, La Rousse Foods is a company with more than 1,300 customers in Ireland and it currently works with 168 local suppliers.
The acquisition reaffirms the company’s deepening commitment to the Irish market and its support of Irish producers and suppliers.
Marc Amand, co-founder of La Rousse Foods, said that the deal is a positive step forward in growing and expanding its current business.
“In Aryzta Food Solutions, we now have the springboard from which to launch La Rousse Foods into the next exciting phase in our development through an enhanced product offering and robust business platform.
“I’m confident that our collective expertise will enable us to deliver a comprehensive suite of food solutions to our combined customer base,” he said.
Amand will remain as an ambassador, while the day-to-day operations at La Rousse Foods will be led by the existing managing director, Stuart Campbell, and his management team.
Hilliard Lombard, Chief Executive Officer, Aryzta Europe & Asia Pacific, said that this is another exciting chapter in the Aryzta Ireland story continuing the pipeline of investment in growth across our food solutions and bakery divisions.
“We have an ambitious growth strategy for our Irish business and this acquisition reflects our vision. La Rousse Foods is an exceptional business with an enviable reputation that is built on innovation, traceability and culinary expertise.
“Together, our combined strengths and ambitions leave us well placed to grow market share in the attractive premium foodservice channel in Ireland and internationally,” he said.
Aryzta was formed with the merger of the IAWS Group and Hiestand Holding group in 2008.