CHICAGO — Mondelez International has entered into an agreement to acquire Melbourne, Australia-based Gourmet Food Holdings, a leading Australian producer of cookies and crackers. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
With portfolios focusing on health-and-wellness offerings, Gourmet Food’s brands include OB finest, Olina’s Bakehouse and Crispbic, have grown to become category leaders in the premium crackers and biscuits segments throughout Australia and New Zealand.
“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 organization.”
“This is a great strategic asset for us in a very important market,” said Dirk Van de Put, chairman and CEO of Mondelez International. “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.”
Oliver Flint, current CEO of Gourmet Food, was appointed as managing director, while co-founder and CEO Todd Wilson will remain with the business as an advisor. Mondelez International will provide Gourmet Food with resources to accelerate growth while leveraging its core manufacturing R&D capabilities.
“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,” said Maurizio Brusadelli, EVP and president, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Mondelez International. “We are excited to welcome Oliver, Todd and the entire Gourmet Food team to our organization.”