Nestlé and R&R creates ice cream and frozen food joint venture | Progresiv
Nestlé and ice cream brand R&R have decided to enter into a joint venture by setting up Froneri. The new company will combine Nestlé and R&R’s ice cream activities in the relevant countries and will include Nestlé’s European frozen food business (excluding pizza and retail frozen food in Italy), as well as its chilled dairy business in the Philippines. 
With over 20 countries employing about 15,000 people Froneri will be headquartered in the UK and will operate primarily in Europe, the Middle East (excluding Israel), Argentina, Australia, Brazil, the Philippines and South Africa.
The transaction is subject to employee consultations and the approval of regulatory authorities. Financial details are not being disclosed.
Nestlé CEO Paul Bulcke said: “This is an exciting growth opportunity in a dynamic category. Froneri will capitalise on complementary strengths and innovation expertise, combining Nestlé’s strong and successful brands and experience in ‘out-of-home’ distribution with R&R’s competitive manufacturing model and significant presence in retail.”
R&R Ice Cream CEO Ibrahim Najafi said: “I am thrilled about the potential of Froneri and the opportunity for R&R to combine with the biggest and best food business in the world. R&R has gone from strength to strength in the last few years and the blend of people from the two organisations will create a leading team, ideally suited to drive future growth.” (www.foodbev.com)
