Bonduelle to Sell Packaged Salad Businesses in France and Germany

31 Aug, 2024

Bonduelle to Sell Packaged Salad Businesses in France and Germany

The Bonduelle Group has announced plans to divest its packaged salad businesses in France and Germany due to a decade-long decline in salad consumption, exacerbated by inflation and increased competition from private labels. This decision follows a continuous drop in the performance of its fresh packaged salad sector in these countries.

Key actions include resizing Bonduelle Frais France, with plans to streamline operations and close the Saint Mihiel site while seeking a buyer. The company is also in exclusive negotiations with Les Crudettes of the LSDH Group to acquire its packaged salad business in France and with Taylor Farms for its packaged salad business in Germany. These moves aim to preserve jobs and allow Bonduelle to refocus on its other operations, such as fresh delicatessen, canned, and frozen foods.

The divestment plans will not affect Bonduelle's North American and Italian fresh businesses, which will continue to operate independently. Bonduelle is also evaluating the value of its salad business assets in North America, with potential impacts reflected in its financial statements as of June 30, 2024.