AAK acquires BD Foods to broaden capabilities and expand foodservice range

AAK International, the parent company of AAK Foodservice, has acquired British foodservice company BD Foods in order to expand its capabilities and build on its industry-leading customer co-development strategy. BD Foods produces restaurant-quality sauces and meal accompaniments and in 2018 had revenues of almost £10m.

“This acquisition is a very good fit with our global foodservice expansion and will provide a complementary range of products at the premium end of the foodservice market,” says Johan Westman, President and CEO. “BD Foods has a broad product and packaging offering, a customer-centric approach and a recently expanded, well invested production site.”

“By acquiring BD Foods, we will extend our foodservice range with, for example, dip pots, pouches and hot filled products,” says René Schou, President Foodservice and Technical Products & Feed. “We will furthermore increase our capabilities and broaden our product portfolio, which will give us a far greater access to some key operators in the foodservice market.”

As a result, 29 products will soon be launched under AAK’s Lion brand with a new Inspired by Chefs range that includes fruit coulis and compotes, dressings, chutneys and a collection of Indian sauces.

Rachel Neale, Marketing Director Foodservice, said: “BD Foods’ products are a perfect fit with our Lion range, with premium sauces and dressings developed by chefs, for chefs.

“The expanded product range will strengthen our market position and enable us to offer increased choice and flexibility in our menu solutions.”

BD Foods, located in St Leonards-on Sea, East Sussex, was established in 2001 and employs 100 people. The company’s customers include leading foodservice brands, hotels, airlines, hospitality companies, wholesalers and food manufacturers.