Lactalis Plans to Acquire Uruguay's Granja Pocha

Lactalis, the renowned French dairy conglomerate, is set to expand its footprint in Latin America with the strategic acquisition of Uruguay-based Granja Pocha.

The deal involves the purchase of all shares in the family-operated Granja Pocha, a company known for producing cheese and yogurt under the Colonial brand. Granja Pocha operates from its facility in Juan Lacaze, located in the south-western region of Uruguay.

A spokesperson for Lactalis commented on the acquisition, stating, "With this acquisition, Lactalis Uruguay will expand its local market position, processing an additional 60 million liters of milk into dairy products. This move complements Lactalis Uruguay's existing range, which includes cheese, fluid milk, and milk powder."

While the financial terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, the acquisition awaits approval from Uruguay's competition authority. Lactalis emphasized that this acquisition will bolster the company's sustainability in the medium and long term.

In a reassuring move, Lactalis affirmed that all 160 employees of Granja Pocha would be retained post-acquisition. Edgardo Villanueva, the director of Granja Pocha, along with his family, will continue to collaborate with the company following the transition.

Lactalis already maintains a significant presence in Uruguay with an operational factory in Cardona, featuring a drying tower that will further enhance production capabilities alongside the Granja Pocha plant in Juan Lacaze.