Lakeland Dairies completes acquisition of European butterfat business

Cross-border dairy processing co-operative Lakeland Dairies has completed the acquisition of Belgian-based butterfat business De Brandt Dairy International NV in a development that will significantly increase the co-op’s value add capability.
Lakeland Dairies, which has 3,200 farm families supplying 2bn litres of high-quality milk annually, has acquired De Brandt’s customer base as well as other key assets of the De Brandt butterfat business in mainland Europe.
The conclusion of the deal follows detailed negotiations and will further enhance Lakeland Dairies’ portfolio of products and geographical reach.
The acquisition allows Lakeland Dairies to significantly grow its operational capability in the premium Texturised Butter market.

Texturised butter brings a technical solution to specialist requirements in the catering and baking industries. It facilitates the preparation of pastries, improves the expansion of layers during baking and enhances taste and quality in final consumer and foodservice products.

The De Brandt business comprises of texturised butter in addition to conventional butterfats, all of which will now be serviced by Lakeland Dairies.
Based at Dendermonde, approximately 30km north west of Brussels, De Brandt is a successful family-owned business established over 100 years ago. It has remained a family-owned business throughout this time until its acquisition by Lakeland Dairies.
Lakeland Dairies and De Brandt have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship over many decades, including direct supply arrangements between the Lakeland Dairies butter processing facility in Ballyrashane, Co. Derry and De Brandt’s European operations for many years.