FrieslandCampina has acquired U.S. cheese importer Jana Foods. IDM asked Gert Jan Poort (photo), President of FrieslandCampina Consumer Dairy U.S., about the reasons.

IDM: What advantages will FrieslandCampina get from the takeover of Jana Foods? 

Poort: FrieslandCampina has been selling cheese in the US for over 50 years. Through this forward integration in combination with FrieslandCampina’s local cheese imports business we are able to create a solid platform to accelerate growth of a wide branded specialty cheese proposition in the United States.

IDM: Will Jana Foods keep on importing dairy products that are not made by F/C to the US market? 

Poort: Jana Foods will be integrated into the existing FrieslandCampina US cheese business. We will continue to import and market cheeses from the UK, Denmark, Australia, Ireland and some others which complement the Dutch cheeses.

IDM: What market volume is there in the US for foreign cheese specialties and how will it develop? 

Poort: Specialty food continues to grow overall as a category and cheese is the largest subcategory in specialty at retail. Total specialty and deli service are up 2.3% dollar sales – IRI 52 wks June 17, 2108. Making the specialty cheese more accessible and in a convenient format for consumers is key for growth. Under the Frico brand we are launching slices, snacks, cracker cuts and shaved cheese.