Savencia Fromage & Dairy Acquires Brazilian Cheese and Dairy Manufacturer Quatá Alimentos

Brazil’s vibrant dairy market is about to see a significant consolidation as Savencia Fromage & Dairy, a global powerhouse and independent, family-owned group, announced today the signing of an agreement to acquire Quatá Alimentos (Quatá).

Quatá, a well-established Brazilian cheese and dairy products manufacturer, with brands like Glória and Quatá already mainstays in local households, is set to join Savencia’s expanding portfolio.

This move strengthens Savencia’s long-standing local presence and solidifies its position in one of Latin America’s most dynamic economies.

Quatá Alimentos brings a strong heritage to the table. As a family-owned company, it has distinguished itself through its “commitment to quality and tradition,” sourcing high-quality milk from key regions in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro. This deep-rooted local expertise and established market position make it an attractive acquisition for a global player like Savencia. But what does this mean for Brazilian consumers and the competitive landscape of their dairy aisle?

Olivier Delaméa, Group Chief Executive Officer of Savencia, clearly outlined the strategic importance of this acquisition. “This acquisition reinforces Savencia’s long-standing presence in Brazil, where the Group has been established for decades with its heritage local brands such as Polenghi, Campo Lindo, Polenguinho, and Frescatino.”

He emphasized that this is an “important step” in their growth journey in Brazil, enabling them to “complement its portfolio and strengthen its position.” It’s a classic example of a global entity leveraging local expertise to expand its market share.

For the founders of Quatá Alimentos, José Henrique Coutinho and Maurício Franco, this alliance marks a “new step in our history” and “honors Quatá’s journey,” strengthening their commitment to its continued development.

Savencia Fromage & Dairy is already a formidable force in the global dairy industry, boasting 22,751 employees worldwide and ranking as the fifth largest cheese group globally, and second largest in France. Their portfolio includes strong international brands like Caprice des Dieux, Saint Agur, and Elle & Vire, alongside local favorites.

The completion of this transaction isn’t immediate, however. It remains subject to approval by Brazil’s CADE antitrust authorities, in accordance with local regulations. Until that green light is given, both companies will continue to operate independently, ensuring business continuity for clients and consumers.

This period of independent operation is crucial for a smooth transition, but the eventual integration promises a more expansive and potentially dominant player in the Brazilian dairy sector. The question remains whether this consolidation will benefit consumers through broader access and innovation, or if it will simply reduce competition.

Source: Savencia Fromage & Dairy