Austrian private cheese company Rupp has made a strategic acquisition by purchasing Spanish family-owned cheese producer Juan Martinez for an undisclosed amount. This move aligns with current trends in the food and beverage industry, further expanding Rupp’s footprint in the competitive food and drink business.
Both Rupp and Juan Martinez specialize in producing and supplying cheese for retail and foodservice markets, as well as providing dairy ingredients to B2B clients. Juan Martinez operates a facility in Siero, Asturias, where they manufacture processed cheeses, creams, and both vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Their diverse product range includes Castilian blended cheeses, Edam, Gouda, mozzarella, and various blue cheeses.
In a LinkedIn statement, Rupp highlighted that the merger would create “strong synergies” within the growing cheese categories. Such strategic collaborations are increasingly important as companies strive to adapt to evolving food and drink consumer trends.
This acquisition is pivotal for Rupp’s European expansion strategy, particularly focusing on Spain and Portugal. Importantly, Juan Martinez will maintain its brand identity and workforce, ensuring that the operations remain rooted in their established practices.
Sara Martinez, the managing director of Juan Martinez, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We’re keeping our team, our brands, our way of doing things well, and our deep commitment to our land. Thanks to this partnership, we are in an even better position to grow and look to the future, from right here, with even more drive and ambition.”
Rupp aims to achieve growth through a combination of organic sales initiatives across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, alongside strategic investments in new production facilities, including a recent establishment in Boherbue, Ireland. Additionally, Rupp is actively seeking “external” growth opportunities. Apart from Austria and Ireland, the company operates production sites in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and China.
According to Rupp’s website, the company produces an impressive 70,000 tonnes of cheese annually, distributing to 65 countries and employing over 950 individuals worldwide.
