Finland-based food company Paulig has sold its shares in German spices producer Fuchs Group, marking the end of their 23-year investment in the company. The minority stake, which accounted for approximately 26% of the business, was purchased by the Fuchs family shareholder group. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
As a result of the deal, the Fuchs Group is now fully owned by the Fuchs family shareholders. The largest shareholder remains the non-profit Dieter Fuchs Foundation, which holds 90% of the shares. A spokesperson for the foundation expressed gratitude to the Paulig Group for their past cooperation and highlighted the Fuchs Group’s strong position for future success due to its regional roots, sustainable global business, and ability to create lasting value.
The Fuchs Group operates in multiple international markets, including the US, Brazil, the UK, and China. With 3,000 employees, the company supplies retail and foodservice customers with its wide portfolio of brands, including Fuchs, Ostmann, and Wagner.
Helsinki-headquartered Paulig specializes in producing and marketing ‘Tex Mex’ foods, snacks, and coffee. Their brands, such as Paulig, Santa Maria, and Risenta, are sold in over 70 countries. The decision to divest from the Fuchs Group allows Paulig to concentrate on its core growth areas, namely the Tex Mex and snacking categories.
The flavoring category will remain important for Paulig in the future, with the Santa Maria brand holding a strong position in the flavoring market in the Nordics and the Baltic countries. Recent corporate moves by Paulig include investing in UK cocoa-free chocolate start-up WNWN Food Labs and acquiring Spain-based Tex Mex food supplier Liven last year.