Bonduelle Group to Sell Salad Operations in France and Germany

The Bonduelle Group has announced its intention to sell its packaged salad business in France and Germany. This decision follows a decade of declining salad consumption in these markets, exacerbated by inflation and heightened competition from private labels. Consequently, the fresh packaged salad segment has seen a steady decline in performance.

Strategic partnerships and negotiations

To secure the company's future, Bonduelle has outlined several strategic initiatives. These include the restructuring of Bonduelle Frais France, involving a streamlined head office and a search for a buyer for the Saint Mihiel site. The company is also in exclusive negotiations with Les Crudettes, part of the LSDH Group, for the acquisition of its French packaged salad business, and with Taylor Farms for its German operations.

Preserving jobs and shifting focus

These measures aim to protect jobs within Bonduelle’s sites across France and Europe, while allowing the company to refocus on its other business areas, such as fresh delicatessen, canned, and frozen foods. The North American and Italian operations are not affected by these changes, as they operate under different market dynamics and will continue to expand in fresh cut salad and delicatessen categories.

Ongoing discussions and future evaluations

Bonduelle has started consultations with employee representatives, which will continue in the coming weeks, to ensure robust social support during this transformation. These transactions are subject to necessary approvals, but Bonduelle remains confident in the capabilities of the LSDH Group and Taylor Farms to manage the business successfully in their respective markets.

Additionally, the company is reviewing the value of its salad business assets in North America, with potential financial impacts to be reflected in the consolidated financial statements for June 30, 2024.

Source: Bonduelle