Unilever has entered into a definitive agreement to buy Weis, an Australian ice cream and frozen dessert business. Terms of the deal, which is subject to customary closing conditions, were not disclosed.
The second-generation company was founded in 1957 by Les Weis. He introduced the iconic Fruito Bar, featuring a tropical blend of pineapple, bananas and passion fruit topped with cream. Today’s extensive range boasts a variety of ice cream formats including single bar, multi-pack bars, dairy-free sorbet tubs and frozen yogurt tubs.
All products will continue to be made at the Weiss factory in Toowoomba, Queensland, using locally sourced ingredients. Anglo-Dutch multinational Unilever welcomes them to its portfolio of high-growth segment premium ice cream brands, which includes Grom, Ben & Jerry’s and Talenti.
“This acquisition will provide Weis with the benefits of scale, strong market access and ice cream category expertise to help take the business to the next level in its growth,” said Clive Stiff, chief executive officer of Unilever Australia & New Zealand.
Weis Managing Director Julie Weis commented: “Our family made this decision because Unilever demonstrated their understanding of our brand, our products and how important our people and the Toowoomba manufacturing site are in ensuring success into the future. In addition, Unilever’s scale will enable greater market access and growth that will provide opportunities for our staff, suppliers, customers and consumers.”
