Upfield Group B.V. acquires leading plant based cheese producer

Arivia is a leader in the plant-based cheese category, and owner of brand VIOLIFE

Upfield Group B.V., the global leader of plant-based butter and spreads has announced that one of its group companies, Upfield Europe B.V. has entered into a share purchase agreement with Arivia S.A. Arivia is a leader in the plant-based cheese category, and owner of brand VIOLIFE.

This strategic acquisition will enable Upfield to enter a new segment, presenting an additional growth opportunity for the company. VIOLIFE will become part of the iconic Upfield brand family, that includes household names such as FLORA, RAMA, COUNTRY CROCK, BLUE BAND and PROACTIV.

The plant-based cheese market is growing at an increasing pace, and on a global scale. VIOLIFE is already the number one plant-based cheese brand in the United Kingdom and Arivia has also built a strong and fast-growing presence in the United States.

The combination of Arivia’s brand and product proposition, and Upfield’s brand-marketing expertise, infrastructure and worldwide distribution network – including in the food service channel – will create a unique opportunity to accelerate the growth of the plant-based cheese segment globally. Arivia is headquartered in Thessaloniki, Greece with a factory located in the north-east of the country. 

The company expects to close the transaction within 3 months following customary regulatory approvals.