Aviko Rixona buys Pfanni instant potato plant in Stavenhagen as part of strategic partnership with Unilever

Today Aviko, one of Europe's largest producers of fresh, frozen, dried and specialty potato products and part of Royal Cosun, announces the acquisition by Aviko Rixona of Unilever's factory in Stavenhagen, Germany.

Aviko Rixona is a global, leading manufacturer of potato granules and potato flakes that find their way to the food service channel and retail markets through the food industry.

Strategic partnership

The transaction includes the acquisition of the production location in Stavenhagen in Northeast Germany and a long-term strategic partnership with Unilever. The factory in Stavenhagen processes potatoes into branded products (mashed potatoes, dumplings, gnocchi and instant snacks) and products for other Unilever branches and B2B customers. The Stavenhagen site employs approximately 210 people.



Well-known brand names are Pfanni and Knorr. Ownership of the brands remains with Unilever.



The long experience of the production site, its technologies and the expertise of the people will further strengthen Aviko Rixona’s position as leading manufacturer of potato flakes and granules.

Towards global market leadership

Chris Deen, CEO Aviko Group:

 

“Total worldwide demand for potato granules and flakes is constantly increasing and is partly driven by a strong growth in the demand for salty snacks on all five continents.”



“This acquisition ties in seamlessly with Rixona’s ambition to become the world market leader in potato granules and flakes.”



“We intend to fully utilise Stavenhagen’s potential production capacity. The additional volume and extra sales will further strengthen our position and support our ambitious growth trajectory.”

Albert Markusse, CEO Royal Cosun:

“We are very pleased with this acquisition, which is fully aligned to Cosun’s ambition to obtain a leading position in plant-based ingredients.”



“The expansion of the production capacity and the strategic partnership with Unilever are in line with the positive development of the potato flakes and granules market.”

The transaction has been notified to the German competition authority and is expected to be completed before the end of the year.