German retailer Edeka Nord is expanding its presence in the baked-goods segment with the acquisition of the remaining 55% of the shares in family bakery H. von Allwörden GmbH.
The retail group acquired 45% of the company’s shares in 2018.
The completion of the takeover of 100% of the shares in the Allwörden bakery and its subsidiaries is subject to the approval of the Federal Cartel Office.
Allwörden Bakery
The takeover of the Allwörden bakery aligns with Edeka Nord’s ambition in the baked-goods sector and is part of the retailer’s modernisation strategy, the company noted.
“We assume responsibility for the entire company, including its [approximately] 2,500 employees, and are delighted to be able to produce and sell artisanal bread and baked goods for consumers,” said Wolfgang Matthiessen, chairman of the supervisory board at Edeka Nord.
“Together we stand for quality, freshness and taste,” Matthiessen added.
The retiring managing partners, Ralf and Manfred von Allwörden, managed the business together as the fourth generation of the family business.
“We have been working closely and trustingly with Edeka Nord since 2018. Edeka Nord is the right company to further develop our family business in a future-oriented manner,” added Ralf von Allwörden.
Manfred von Allwörden said, “In the past, we were able to use valuable synergy effects. Edeka customers will continue to benefit from a high-quality range, in which craftsmanship and the art of baking stand for excellent quality and sustainability. Edeka Nord will support the colleagues at Allwörden in continuing this tradition in a responsible manner.”
Willi Vaassen
Willi Vaassen has been named as the new managing director of the baked-goods division at Edeka Nord, following the acquisition.
Vaassen has extensive experience in various companies in the food industry, including in the baked-goods segment.
“I am looking forward to the new challenge [and] the further cooperation with all employees on site, as well as the trust that the management and the supervisory board of Edeka Nord have placed in me,” Vaassen said.
Allwörden Suppliers
The suppliers of the bakery are mostly from the immediate vicinity, as well as local farmers.
The farmers have pledged to comply with the quality criteria, such as controlled traditional grain cultivation and economic and social sustainability, including environmentally friendly production.
The German chain added that it is set to continue relying on these suppliers.
© 2022 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest fresh-produce news. Article by Conor Farrelly. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
