France-based agri-food investor Unigrains has invested in hazelnut cooperative Unicoque.
Unigrains said it had “subscribed to participating securities” issued by the cooperative, which supplies food manufacturers and retailers. The value of the investment was not disclosed.
The transaction supports Unicoque’s strategy of “developing higher value-added products”, according to Unigrains.
Founded in 1990, Unicoque represents more than 280 growers and produces over 80% of France’s hazelnuts. Its two processing facilities handle almost 10,000 tons of nuts annually.
The cooperative sells in-shell, shelled and processed hazelnut products to domestic and international customers. Its value-added portfolio includes hazelnut powder, pieces, roasted nuts, oils and beverages, serving applications across the food and beverage industry.
Unicoque employs 165 people and anticipates sales of approximately €40m ($44.8m) in 2026. Exports are expected to account for close to half of that revenue.
Florence Alin, investment director at Unigrains, said: “While France is one of the world’s leading consumers of hazelnuts it remains heavily dependent on imports, making the development of a competitive and resilient French hazelnut industry a strategic priority.”
Unicoque said it is transitioning from a business model primarily focused on volume to one centred on “enhancing the value of hazelnuts and expanding its processing activities”.
Jean-Luc Reigne, CEO of Unicoque, said: “Unigrains’ support is a sign of confidence in our cooperative. It will enable us to accelerate projects already underway, to develop new market opportunities, to strengthen our processing activities and to continue to enhance the value of French hazelnuts.”
The investment follows confectionery manufacturer Loacker’s announcement yesterday that it had expanded its hazelnut production activities through the purchase of the Fontana Chiusa estate in Italy.
Together with the 275 hectares Loacker already farms in Tuscany, the acquisition gives the company direct management of approximately 400 hectares of land in Italy.
