Expanding Horizons: Flora Food Group Acquires New Facility to Bolster Creams and Cheese Production in the Americas

Flora Food Group, the plant-based food powerhouse formerly known as Upfield, has made a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the North American market. The company has acquired a manufacturing facility in Hugoton, Kansas, which will serve as the hub for its creams and cream cheese products across the United States, Canada, and the broader Americas region.

Unlocking New Opportunities in the Plant-Based Frontier

Strengthening the Creams and Cheese Portfolio

The acquisition of the Hugoton facility marks a significant milestone for Flora Food Group's expansion plans. The new site will serve as the central hub for the company's creams and cream cheese products, catering to the growing demand for plant-based alternatives in the region. With the state-of-the-art infrastructure and a skilled workforce already in place, Flora Food Group is poised to leverage this strategic asset to drive innovation and meet the evolving needs of consumers.The company's existing facility in New Century, Texas, will continue to serve as the US hub for its butter and spreads products, ensuring a comprehensive and streamlined approach to its diverse product portfolio. This strategic allocation of resources underscores Flora Food Group's commitment to optimizing its operations and delivering a wide range of high-quality, plant-based options to its customers.

Expanding the Flora Food Group Family

The acquisition of the Hugoton facility not only strengthens Flora Food Group's manufacturing capabilities but also presents an opportunity to grow its workforce and further integrate with the local community. Jim Breach, the president of Flora Food Group's North American business, expressed excitement about the prospect of welcoming more people into the company's family."Building on the existing, state-of-the-art infrastructure and trained workforce residing in the local community, we look forward to bringing more folks into the Flora Food Group family as well as continuing to produce our kitchen and pantry staple items here in America's heartland and across our broader Americas region," Breach said.This commitment to fostering a strong, collaborative workforce aligns with Flora Food Group's values and its vision of being a trusted partner in the plant-based food revolution.

Solidifying the Company's Footprint Across the Americas

The acquisition of the Hugoton facility marks the 15th manufacturing site for Flora Food Group across five continents, employing approximately 4,800 people. This strategic expansion underscores the company's global reach and its dedication to meeting the growing demand for plant-based products worldwide.In 2023, Flora Food Group reported net sales of €3.3 billion ($3.67 billion), further cementing its position as a major player in the plant-based food industry. The company's diverse portfolio of brands, including Flora, BlueBand, Country Crock, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, Rama, and Violife, has enabled it to cater to a wide range of consumer preferences and solidify its presence in key markets.

Driving Innovation and Sustainability

The acquisition of the Hugoton facility is not just about expanding production capacity; it's also a testament to Flora Food Group's commitment to innovation and sustainability. The company's performance-driven transformation has been a key focus, as it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the plant-based food industry.Earlier this year, Flora Food Group led a new cash injection in Spain's Heura Foods, a move that underscores the company's dedication to supporting and nurturing innovative plant-based brands. The $40 million funding will help Heura Foods drive profitability and solidify its position as an industry frontrunner, further strengthening the broader plant-based ecosystem.As the plant-based food revolution gains momentum, Flora Food Group's strategic investments and acquisitions position it as a driving force in shaping the future of sustainable and nutritious food choices for consumers across the Americas and beyond.