MINNEAPOLIS — General Mills, Inc. has acquired the Brazilian dairy company Carolina Administracao e Participacoes Societarias Ltda. Terms were not disclosed
Based in Ribeirao Claro, Parana, Brazil, Carolina operates in the southern and southeastern portions of the country. The company manufactures and markets more than 20 dairy product lines under brands such as Carolina, VeryGurt and Gluck and employs 390.
“We are delighted to add Carolina’s strong brands and talented team to General Mills’ growing international business,” said Chris O'Leary, General Mills’ executive vice-president and chief operating officer -International. “Carolina’s strong capabilities in yogurt and dairy will accelerate General Mills’ growth in Brazil. We plan to invest and build on the strong Carolina product portfolio, leveraging our own expertise and the Carolina team to grow and expand in Brazil — a very important market for General Mills International.”
This is General Mills’ second acquisition in Brazil during the past five years. In 2012, the company acquired Yoki Alimentos, a maker of popcorn, snack nuts, side dishes and dry soups.
“Brazil is a strategic market for General Mills, and yogurt is a growing category,” said Olivier Faujour, president of global yogurt and ice cream for General Mills. “Carolina’s quality brands and products match perfectly with General Mills’ company mission, which is to serve the world by making food people love. General Mills’ global dairy capabilities will complement and build upon Carolina’s already strong reputation for quality products and dairy know-how. It should be a perfect fit that will allow us to bring even more delight to Brazilian consumers with superior quality yogurt and dairy products.”