Bonduelle

French fresh convenience specialist Bonduelle has confirmed the acquisition of three processing plants and a packaging centre for frozen vegetables in the US.

The deal, which was authorised by the US Competition Authorities last month, includes the purchase of four industrial frozen vegetable sites previously belonging to Allens.

The three processing plants are located in Bergen, Oakfield (New York) and Fairwater (Wisconsin), while the packaging plant is based in Brockport, New York.

The acquisition is set to bolster the market position of Bonduelle North America, which already owns seven production plants in Canada, in Quebec and Ontario, making it the market-leading brand for frozen vegetables in the east of North America.

With this transaction, and a recent acquisition in Russia, Bonduelle has spread its risk geographically. According to the company, in the next financial year, one-third of its turnover will come from France, one-third from the rest of Europe and one-third from outside of Europe.