1 Apr 2017
Puratos officialises agreement with Bidcorp Food’s Bakery Solutions Division in South Africa to jointly develop the bakery business in southern Africa.
Puratos, a leading innovator in the bakery, patisserie, and chocolate industry, has officialised agreements with Bidcorp Food Africa (Bidcorp Food), a subsidiary of JSE-listed Bid Corporation Limited (Bidcorp), whereby Puratos will become an equal shareholder in Bidcorp Food’s Bakery Solutions Division (BBS). The entity, named Chipkins Puratos, plans to increase production in South Africa and bring more quality and value-added ingredients to African bakers.
Bidcorp Food’s Bakery Solutions Division (previously Chipkins) is the largest bakery ingredients distributor in South Africa.
"This acquisition in South Africa will help us further develop the booming African market. We want to expand further in Africa. Not only does it help us strengthen our global presence, but it also gives us the opportunity to bring the same Puratos quality ingredients to every baker on the continent. With this investment we also aim to accompany our industrial and retail customers who look at Africa, just as we do, as the next big frontier,” says Daniel Malcorps, Chief Executive Officer of Puratos.
With close to 100 years of expertise, Bidcorp Food’s Bakery Solutions Division, headquartered in Edenvale, Johannesburg, employs more than 400 people and acts as a leader in producing and delivering bakery ingredients in South Africa.
Bidcorp CEO, Bernard Berson, comments, “The proposed transaction provides BBS with an opportunity to grow its existing business and to develop new products and tailor-made solutions for the baking industry Employees will be exposed to new skills and job opportunities, innovative products and international best practices.”