Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. announced on April 26 that its European joint venture, Kruiningen, Holland-headquartered Lamb-Weston/Meijer v.o.f., has signed an agreement to buy the potato division of Oerlemans Foods Nederland BV. The acquisition includes a frozen potato processing facility in Broekhuizenvorst, Netherlands, and is expected to be completed later this year.
Oerlemans potato products, made from Dutch tuber varieties and pre-fried in vegetable oil, are promoted as containing 50% less fat than many other offerings on the market. Nutrients are retained at a high level, thanks to advanced freezing technology.
Bas Albas, chief executive officer of Lamb Weston/Meijer, commented: “The diverse customer base of Oerlemans Foods’ potato division and the location of its factory in Broekhuizenvorst, makes this a strategic asset to further shape our own growth ambitions and those of our customers. The Oerlemans plant fits very well in our existing network in the Netherlands.”
The sale fits the Oerlemans Foods’ strategic choice to focus solely on the frozen fruit and vegetables market as it aims to increase activity in this growth sector by further extending the position it has in the domestic markets in Northwest Europe and Poland, by strengthening its presence in the frozen organic segment and by accelerating its growth aspirations both within and outside Europe.
“Our partnership with Lamb-Weston/Meijer, together with our operations in North America, allows us to reach customers around the world from key locations in the United States and Europe,” said Tom Werner, chief executive officer of Lamb Weston. “This strategic acquisition is consistent with our investments to strengthen our position in the global industry, and to better support the increasing demand for frozen potato products and growth ambitions of our customers in Europe and abroad.”
Lamb-Weston/Meijer’s acquisition will add 185 million pounds of production capacity to its existing network, and will provide opportunities for further expansion. Upon completion of the deal, the company will have four production sites in the Netherlands, as well as one in the United Kingdom and one in Austria.
About Oerlemans Foods
Oerlemans Foods was founded in 1977 and is traditionally a producer and supplier of frozen vegetables, fruit and potato products. In addition to serving markets in Europe, exports go to more than 40 countries worldwide.
The company focuses primarily on the development and production of private labels for the retail channels, but also has a strong position in the foodservice sector with the Oerlemans Foods brand. It has around 700 employees spread over four locations: the headquarters in Venlo and four production companies in the Netherlands and Poland. Since 2014, Oerlemans Foods has been owned by H2 Equity Partners and members of the management team.
About Lamb Weston
Lamb Weston is a leading supplier of frozen potato, sweet potato, appetizer and vegetable products to restaurants and retailers in more than 100 countries around the world. For more than 60 years it has introduced innovative products that simplify back-of-house management for restaurant operators and other foodservice customers.
Employing approximately 1,300 people, Lamb-Weston/Meijer serves markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and Brazil. It supplies value-added frozen potato products that include Twisters, Potato Dippers and Connoisseur Fries to foodservice, QSR and retail segments.
