Lamb Weston / Meijer acquires Oerlemans Potato Division

The acquisition of Oerlemans Foods increases the Lamb Weston / Meijer production capacity for French fries by 85,000 tons. The photo shows cut skin-on potato strips leaving the dryer, ready for either coating or par-frying.

April 26, 2017

Source

Lamb Weston / Meijer

Lamb Weston / Meijer has reached the completion phase of the acquisition of the potato division of Oerlemans Foods, including a take-over of the plant in Broekhuizenvorst.

With the acquisition Lamb Weston / Meijer responds to both the increasing demand for frozen potato products as well as the growth ambitions of its customers.

Acquisition provides Oerlemans Foods with the opportunity to completely focus on vegetables and fruit, while allowing Lamb Weston / Meijer to further extend its production capacity

With the acquisition Lamb Weston / Meijer responds to both the increasing demand for frozen potato products as well as the growth ambitions of its customers. Shown above: Lamb Weston Steakhouse fries

The transaction is expected to become effective later this year.

Bas Albas, CEO of Lamb Weston / Meijer:

“The diverse customer base of Oerlemans Foods’ potato division and the location of its factory in Broekhuizenvorst, makes this a strategic asset to further shape our own growth ambitions and those of our customers.”

The Oerlemans Foods plant fits very well in the existing network of Lamb Weston / Meijer locations in the Netherlands. This acquisition increases production capacity by 85,000 tons. With the acquisition of the potato division of Oerlemans Foods, Lamb Weston / Meijer has a total of four production sites in the Netherlands, with which it reinforces its leading position in the international market for frozen potato products.

The sale of the potato division fits the Oerlemans Foods’ strategic choice to focus solely on the frozen fresh fruit and vegetables market.

The sale of the potato division fits the Oerlemans Foods’ strategic choice to focus solely on the frozen fresh fruit and vegetables market.

Oerlemans Foods aims to increase its position in this growth market by further extending the strong position it has in the domestic markets in Northwest Europe and Poland, by strengthening its presence in the frozen organic segment and by accelerating its growth aspirations both within and outside Europe.

Oerlemans Foods is convinced to have found a strong party in Lamb Weston / Meijer to take over its potato activities.