Compagnie Léa Nature has acquired the bulk business unit belonging to fellow French organic food producer Biothentic. ABCD Nutrition, Biothentic’s owner, has agreed to hand over the bulk foods side of the business for €3.5m ($3.8m). The brand’s bulk segment produces chocolate-covered nuts, seeds, popcorn, legumes, rice, and other grains.
Léa Nature is looking to build its activity in bulk foods production, which it has been focused on establishing for the French market with its Jardin Bio organic foods brand since 2023. Meanwhile, ABCD Nutrition has said the sale of Biothentic’s bulk operations will enable it to hone in on gluten-free products and fresh breads production.
In a statement, Bruno Pierre, the CEO of ABCD Nutrition, said: “The decision to disengage from bulk is for two reasons: refocusing on our original activities to consolidate our positions as leader in gluten-free in France and leader in fresh organic bread in the Parisian region and in the south-east, and help create a challenger in this bulk market. The transaction with Léa Nature was natural due to the great respect I have for its founder and his values and for the group’s ability to develop. We transmit commercial activity, but also complete production and sector know-how.”
For Léa Nature, the purchase intends to boost its sustainable growth strategy and commitment to offering organic and affordable products that are respectful of the environment and the health of consumers. CEO Charles Kloboukoff mentioned, “The increase in our supply volumes of organic and non-organic raw materials processed is an important key to lowering prices and achieving economies of scale in buying at source.”
Explaining the reason behind the company’s growing focus on bulk organic foods, Karl Le Floch, bulk sales manager at Léa Nature, said: “Bulk has established itself at Léa Nature as essential for the ecological transition.”
Léa Nature has a portfolio of natural and organic food products sold nationally and in Europe through major retailers like Carrefour and specialty stores. Other recent acquisitions from the company include an investment in French crêpe maker Jarnoux last year and the Italian organic group Bio Organic Italia in 2022. Based in the south-western region of Périgny-La Rochelle, Léa Nature has more than 2,000 people working across 22 production plants in France. In 2023, the company’s annual turnover reached €488 million.
