Schouten Europe acquires Bobeldijk Food Group

Schouten Europe, producer of plant-based meat and fish alternatives, is acquiring fellow industry player Bobeldijk Food Group from Deventer. With the acquisition, the family-owned company is expanding its production capacity and strengthening its position in the European market. At the same time, Schouten sees more opportunities for innovation and further international growth in a market that, according to the company, continues to evolve rapidly.

More capacity and flexibility

The acquisition is expected to give Schouten additional room for growth. According to CEO Niek-Jan Schouten, the market for plant-based products is developing quickly.

“The market for plant-based products is evolving rapidly. With the acquisition of Bobeldijk, we are not only increasing our production capacity, but also strengthening our flexibility and ability to support customers. At the same time, this step gives us the opportunity to continue investing in innovation, something that has characterized our family business since 1893.”

Schouten is internationally recognized as one of the pioneers of the meat alternatives market. Founder Henk Schouten was the first Dutch entrepreneur to focus on the development of meat alternatives in 1990. Today, the company supplies a broad range of products to more than fifty countries. Most of these products are marketed under private label.

Strong addition

Bobeldijk Food Group has built a strong position in the European meat alternatives market in recent years. The company has a strong focus on private label production and product development.

According to Schouten, Bobeldijk is a strong fit within the organization. “Bobeldijk has extensive knowledge, experience, and craftsmanship in the production and marketing of plant-based products, making it a strong addition to the Schouten organization.”

He also points to the similarities between the two companies. “Both companies share the same focus on quality, flexibility, innovation, and long-term collaboration with customers and employees.”

Largest family-owned company

With this expansion, Schouten becomes the largest family-owned company in the European meat alternatives market. The acquisition aligns with the growth strategy of the next generation of the family. The focus is on innovation, international expansion, and further strengthening the organization.

Schouten achieved revenue growth of more than 30 percent last year, while many sales markets have been stabilizing. The company will continue investing in innovation and accelerating the protein transition. “Not only because we believe in the growth potential of plant-based food, but above all because, as a family business, we want to contribute to a more sustainable and future-proof food system.”

Schoutenfood.com