With a history that dates back more than 130 years in Quebec, the cooperative Agropur has agreed to sell its fine cheese division, including the well-known OKA brand, to France’s Lactalis, which is one of the world’s largest players in the global cheese industry, in particular, the fine cheese market.
According to Lactalis Canada’s news release, it will acquire two production facilities in Oka and Sainte-Hyacinthe, Quebec and the nearly 400 workers at those two facilities, bringing its team to 4,500 employees nationwide. “We are committed to preserving the authenticity and quality of these award-winning brands,” Lactalis Group chairman Emmanuel Besnier wrote in a statement. “This extends to being an active member of the Oka and Sainte-Hyacinthe communities… and contributing meaningfully to the people and places that have shaped these beloved brands.”
The decision by Agropur was not easy, but the company assures it was well thought out, as it will allow it to focus on other operations including milk and butter production. Given the highly competitive nature of the fine cheese market, the deal makes sense. The workers get to keep their job and there is optimism around the fact that Lactalis is an established brand and regarded as a good company. The only employees that may be impacted are those at its Saint-Hubert distribution centre. Agropur will retain the facility, which means the workers will be relocated.
The sale is pending regulatory approval.
