The Spakenburg, Netherlands-headquartered Kennemervis Groep, a specialist in frozen, smoked and other processed fish, has diversified its range by purchasing the Bobeldijk Food Group. The Deventer-based acquisition markets plant-based meat alternative products made from soy or wheat protein under the Vegafit label. Offerings include faux meatballs, steaks, schnitzels and nuggets.
Financial terms of the deal were not revealed, but it was announced that Remko Vogelenzang will continue to lead Bobeldijk, reporting directly to Kennemervis Groep CEO Eugene Scholten.
“We are proud to be able to further support the growth of Bobeldijk Food Group together with Remko and his team,” said Scholten.
Vogelenzang added: “We are very pleased with the transaction, which enables us to take advantage of the knowledge of sales markets within Kennemervis Groep and have the opportunity to significantly accelerate our ambition for international growth. ”
Founded in 1975, the Bobeldijk Food Group began as a meat butchery business before shifting to become a meat-free convenience food producer five years ago. The goal is to transition into a fully vegan company.
“Twenty years from now, there won’t be enough meat to feed everyone anymore. So we’ll need something else. One of the alternatives is getting protein from plant-based sources instead of from meat,” said Vogelenzang.
Commenting on the acquisition, Scholten stated: “We see around us that consumers, markets and customers are constantly on the move. We want to continue to respond optimally to this and see good opportunities in growing Bobeldijk Food Group as part of the family of Kennemervis Groep companies. We are proud to be able to further support the growth of Bobeldijk Food Group together with Remko and his team.”
Kennemervis, in business since 1990, has 12 value-added fish and seafood production sites in the Netherlands and Denmark. Its product lines are distributed to retailers, foodservice operators and wholesalers across Europe.
