Group of Butchers, a Netherlands-based company, has acquired German private-label meats producer Abbelen. The financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. This move is expected to enhance Group of Butchers’ portfolio by increasing the variety of convenience meat products, as well as vegetarian and vegan meat alternatives.
Abbelen was previously owned by private-equity company Deutsche Beteiligungs AG (DBAG) since 2017. DBAG, operating from Frankfurt and Milan, acquired Abbelen with the UK own-label group, Oscar Mayer, with the goal of establishing a European market leader in chilled convenience foods under the umbrella group More than Meals.
In a statement, Remko Rosman, CEO of Group of Butchers, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, highlighting Abbelen’s leading position in the German convenience market and its alignment with Group of Butchers’ product portfolio and innovative strength. Dr. Dirk Gloy, managing director and CEO of Abbelen, also commented on the purchase, emphasizing the opportunity to operate independently as part of Group of Butchers and extend cooperation with German and European trading partners.
Group of Butchers, headquartered in Tilburg, specializes in manufacturing meat sandwich fillers, appetisers, and convenience products, such as sausages, grilled meats, and gourmet hams. Its products are distributed to retailers in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. The company’s brands include Schepers, Canter, De Roller, Gymrek, and Voskuillen.
Abbelen’s product range comprises meat and meat-free options, including pork, beef, and chicken meatballs and burgers, chicken schnitzels and nuggets, and hot dog sausages. They also offer a vegan and vegetarian selection, featuring cauliflower nuggets, falafel burgers, and vegetable bites.
In conclusion, the acquisition of Abbelen by Group of Butchers marks a strategic expansion in the food and beverage industry, reflecting the growing demand for convenience and plant-based meat products. This partnership is set to strengthen both companies’ positions in the market and foster innovation in the evolving food and drink consumer trends.
