Nestlé has agreed to sell two of its cooking sauces and stocks brands, Oscar and Puljonki, to French ingredients supplier, Solina. The deal, expected to close by the end of March, will also include the takeover of the brands’ respective factories in Rønnede, Denmark, and Juuka, Finland. The acquisition will not impact the 132 employees working at the plants.
This transaction will leave the Hälsans Kök plant-based protein as the sole food brand in Nestlé’s Nordic Professional Premium Culinary range. Nestlé first acquired Oscar and Puljonki from the Paulig Group in 2011. The brands, catered primarily to the foodservice industry, are sold in several European countries and had a combined annual revenue of €45m ($48.5m) in 2023.
Commenting on the sale, Torben Emborg, head of Nestlé Nordics, expressed confidence in Solina as the right new owner for the brands. He assured that Nestlé will continue to offer high-quality food and beverage products to Nordic families.
Solina, a leading producer of cooking ingredients, sees the acquisition as a significant strengthening of its foothold in the global food service sector. With an annual turnover of €1.2bn, the company serves over 18,000 customers across foodservice, butchery, and food manufacturing. Solina is optimistic that the integration of Oscar and Puljonki into its network will further enrich its extensive sauce and liquid capabilities.
Furthermore, Solina CEO Anthony Francheterre believes that the acquisition will position the company to meet the demands of the casual dining segment with innovative food solutions that excel in taste and nutrition. He also emphasizes the importance of leveraging the global position and strong connections within the European foodservice sector to enhance the offerings of Oscar and Puljonki.
In conclusion, the acquisition signifies a pivotal moment in Solina’s ambition to lead across various channels in the global food landscape. Upon integration, the company aims to provide advanced food solutions and strengthen its position in the global food service sector.
