France-based agri-food investor Unigrains has made a significant financial commitment to the local dairy company Beillevaire Groupe. While the specific financial terms of the investment were not disclosed, Beillevaire emphasized that this infusion of capital will enable the company to “accelerate its external growth strategy, further building on acquisitions completed over the past years.”
In conjunction with the investment from Unigrains, Beillevaire announced the acquisition of three cheese producers: Le Curé Nantais located in Pornic, La Fromagerie de la Houssaye in Saint-Pierre-en-Auge, and La Fromagerie de Vinay in Isère. This strategic move aligns with the group’s commitment to expanding its reach while enhancing its portfolio of premium dairy products.
Pascal Beillevaire, chairman of Beillevaire Groupe, stated, “With the support of Unigrains, a specialized agri-food investor with a deep understanding of the dairy sector dynamics, our company is embarking on a new phase of strong growth and beginning its generational transmission.” He also noted that the acquisition of these three producers embodies their ambition for high-quality products and the integration of their value chain.
Founded in 1980, Beillevaire Groupe is a producer of a diverse range of cheese, butter, desserts, and dairy products, operating across eight manufacturing facilities, which include one dedicated to plant-based desserts, alongside five ripening cellars. The group reports annual sales of approximately €100 million (equivalent to $111 million) and maintains a workforce of over 500 employees.
Florence Alin and Julien Becquet from Unigrains remarked, “Driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit and exemplary family cohesion, Beillevaire Group stands out for its excellent reputation and its strong brand image.” They highlighted that given the group’s extensive product portfolio, which includes several Protected Designation of Origins, Beillevaire is well-positioned to enhance its distribution network, particularly in the international market where the demand for premium products related to French gastronomy and savoir-faire is increasing.
Unigrains oversees assets worth €964 million and partners with 80 different companies in the food and beverage industry. Previously, the firm invested in Italian seafood supplier Urbis Food through its local fund, Fondo Agroalimentaire Italiano. Shortly before that, it became the largest investor in Vivaldi Group, a new partnership that brings together four distinct bakery and ingredients companies.
Additionally, Unigrains has expressed intentions to pursue more investments in Iberia, following the establishment of an office in Madrid last year.
In summary, this collaboration between Unigrains and Beillevaire Groupe signifies a strategic alliance aimed at leveraging food and drink consumer trends, reinforcing the groups’ positions in the competitive food and beverage industry landscape.
