14 May 2007 - Campina intends to sell its Belgian cheese factory Passendale, part of the Cheese & Butter group, to the French Bongrain SA.
In the coming years the Cheese & Butter Group will be concentrating on semi-hard, naturally ripened cheese, with the emphasis on the Campina Milner, Campina Volmer and North Holland cheese with the Protected Designation of Origin (BDO) of the European Union. With this product line Campina holds a leading international position, which the organisation plans to expand even further. This is why Campina wishes to sell the cheese factory Passendale, which specialises in semi-soft Belgian cheese specialities. The current staff at Passendale will join Bongrain.
Campina’s current semi-soft cheese specialities are made at the cheese factory in Passendale (Belgium). Production of the product line meets the most recent quality demands. At the same time, traditional methods of cheese making are left intact. In this way specialities such as Passendale, Père Joseph and Loo have acquired leading positions in Belgium, Germany and France within their market segments. Around 120 people work at Passendale.
Bongrain SA, established at Viroflay (France), is worldwide market leader in cheese specialties. Its strategy is aimed at obtaining market leadership in local specialities including semi-soft cheese. Therefore, Passendale fits perfectly in Bongrain’s growth strategy. The organisation has around 18.600 employees and a turnover of EUR 3.38 billion (2006). The intention is to incorporate the Passendale cheese factory in Bongrain Benelux, established in Brussels.
“With the Cheese & Butter group, Campina will concentrate primarily on the production and international marketing of naturally ripened semi-hard cheese. With Campina Milner we have a very strong brand in a number of countries, which we will be gradually expanding. Moreover, we are now fully occupied with the introduction of Campina Volmer, another example of the growth potential of our unique North Holland cheese. Within this product line we will be further expanding on our leading international position. We are focused on this entirely”, says P.J. (Piet) Hilarides, group director Cheese & Butter. “We are therefore convinced that the new owner can offer a better home base to our dedicated and professional Belgian cheese makers.”
Parties have agreed not to make any announcements on the sales price of Passendale.
The unions and works councils have been informed and where necessary involved in the process.