Sweet Products, Cemoi confirm takeover talks

Belgium-based chocolate maker Sweet Products and French peer Cémoi have confirmed they are in talks over a deal to create the "number one" private-label manufacturer in the sector.

The family-owned companies have announced they are have entered into “an exclusive negotiation process” over Sweet Products’ plan to acquire Cémoi.

“Within a few months, subject to legal consultation and the authorisation of relevant competition authorities, this project could make it possible to create the number one group in the world in terms of chocolates under private labels, and to develop significant positions in branded segments,” the companies said in a joint statement.

In September, French newspaper Les Echos reported Cémoi, which has a turnover of roughly EUR750m, had decided to open up its capital and look for investment.

“Staying on a family model is an anomaly, given the size of the group,” Patrick Poirrier, Cémoi’s president, was quoted as saying at the time.

Combined, the new group would generate a turnover of “more than” EUR1.2bn, have 24 factories and employ more than 5,000 staff.

Sweet Products, which owns businesses including chocolate maker Baronie Group and ice-cream maker Belgian Ice Cream, runs seven chocolate factories located across Belgium, the Netherlands Germany and Switzerland, two ice-cream production sites in Belgium and a caramel facility in the UK.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData

Tick here to opt out of curated industry news, reports, and event updates from Just Food.

Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The company sells products under brands including Jacques, Duc d’O and Ijsboerke but its production is principally for private label products.

Cémoi has 14 factories, including nine in France, and has 3,200 employees. Its production network also includes a cocoa bean facility in Cote d’Ivoire. The company’s products are sold to retailers, foodservice operators and manufacturers.