The Bonduelle Group announces that it has acquired the industrial assets of the LLC SHOCK frozen vegetable production company located in the Belgorod region (Russia).
Bonduelle is commercially present in the Russian market in canned and frozen food since the mid-1990s. Bonduelle established local production of canned vegetables in Russia in 2004 by building a plant in the Krasnodar region (south of Russia) and then by the acquisition of an existing plant in the same area in 2012. Bonduelle is operating 10,000 hectares of agricultural land to supply its production facilities. With undisputed leadership in canned vegetables through Bonduelle and Globus brands, and a spontaneous awareness of the Bonduelle brand above 80%, the Group is strengthening its positions in Russia and the Community of Independent States (CIS).
Located in a reputed agricultural region – temperate climate, particularly fertile soils (black central soil) – this industrial site will accelerate the development of the Bonduelle frozen activity in the above mentioned markets through a high quality production.
In recent years, the Russian frozen market has experienced significant growth supported by the Bonduelle Group through imports (mostly France and Poland). This market is benefiting from growing consumer interest in value-added ready-to-eat solutions. This investment will enable the Group to also be present on the mono-vegetable and simple mixes market segment, banned for import by embargo.
This production site, which initial cost of acquisition and additional investments remain limited, will ensure an annual production from 6,000 to 10,000 tonnes of frozen vegetables within 3 years. About 50 permanent employees will work at the site and Bonduelle will partner with the local agricultural community, developing its know-how in environmentally friendly agricultural practices.