FAIRFIELD, N.J. — ECB-USA and Voss Enterprises have partnered to acquire Schratter Foods Inc. from Groupe Bongrain, the France-based world leader in branded specialty cheese, effective Jan. 1. The deal excludes the brands owned by Groupe Bongrain, which will set up a new company to market them in addition to its well-known Alouette brand.
ECB-USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of French Groupe Blandin, an established distributor in various product categories, based in the French Antilles and Guyana. It is owned jointly by brothers Bruno, Claude and Patrick Blandin.
Voss Enterprises Inc., owned by Alain Voss, has held a minority stake in Schratter Foods since its inception more than 20 years ago. The company also has interests in bakery, chocolate and confection businesses.
The deal includes the three business units of Schratter Foods:
• ANCO, a specialty cheese and deli products import and distribution business
• Cognati Cheese Company, a cheese-processing business
• Corman Ship Supplies, a ship-chandling business
"This is indeed a very good day! We are excited about this new chapter for Schratter Foods," said Voss. "This amicable separation allows both entities to return to strategic clarity in the marketplace, with a strong, dedicated focus on their respective core businesses — service-driven distribution on one hand, manufacturing and brand marketing on the other — while continuing to do business together."
The company will be led by Voss and Claude Blandin. Voss will remain president and CEO, while also becoming the company's chairman. The 51-year-old Blandin, owner and president of Groupe Blandin, will assume the positions of vice chairman and executive vice president, with a particular focus on technology, external and strategic development.
Source: Schratter Foods, ECB-USA and Voss Enterprises
