INDUSTRY NEWS Puratos to acquire Dawn Foods
Puratos has agreed to acquire Dawn Foods, in a deal that brings together two long- established suppliers to the professional bakery sector. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to complete by the end of 2026. Both family-owned businesses were
founded more than a century ago and serve professional bakers, pastry chefs, retailers and food manufacturers. The companies said the deal would combine complementary capabilities in bakery ingredients, product innovation and distribution. Dawn Foods operates across North
America, Europe, AMEAP and Latin America and is known for its expertise in American- style sweet baked goods and ingredient
solutions for products such as doughnuts, muffins, cookies and brownies. The company also has a large distribution network, particularly in North America. Puratos, headquartered in Belgium, specialises in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, with particular expertise in fermentation, sourdough, grains and seeds, and chocolate technologies.
The company operates in more than 100 countries through a network of subsidiaries and technology-driven production facilities. Commenting on the agreement, Pierre
Tossut said: “Dawn Foods is a highly respected company with capabilities that complement our own. The agreement shows our ambition to further expand our
footprint and capabilities within a space we know well and have successfully developed over generations.” Carrie Jones-Barber added: “As we looked
to the future, it was important to find a partner aligned with our values and long-term view of the business.” Until the transaction closes, both companies will continue to operate independently.
Baker & Baker relaunches Black Label range
Baker & Baker has completed a rebrand of its premium Black Label range and confirmed new product development plans across 15 European markets, beginning with the launch of a Pistachio Vanilla Doughnut in 2026. Originally developed for the Spanish market in 2010, the Black Label range has expanded to include more than 40 products spanning American sweet bakery and laminated sweet bakery categories. The portfolio includes muffins, doughnuts and cookies, as well as croissants, viennoiserie and regional specialities. The relaunch includes updated branding, packaging, a new logo and tagline. The company said the refresh is designed to strengthen recognition across foodservice and artisanal bakery channels. Marketing support will include trade shows, PR activity, social media and in-store materials such as point-of-sale displays. The first product launch under the refreshed brand will be a Pistachio Vanilla Doughnut featuring vanilla and pistachio cream fillings, topped with pistachios and white chocolate. Baker & Baker said the development responds to continued consumer interest in pistachio flavours and premium-style bakery products. The Black Label range is distributed across Europe and the Middle East, including the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and several Eastern European markets. The portfolio is targeted primarily at foodservice operators and artisanal bakeries. Graeme Williams, chief commercial officer UK at Baker & Baker, said the rebrand marks the next phase of development for the range. “The Black Label range represents the high-premium end of Baker & Baker’s product portfolio, and we’re pleased to introduce the refreshed look to our customers,” he said. “The range will continue to deliver the quality and taste standards our customers expect, supported by updated branding across markets.” Further product extensions are planned for the range as part of the 2026 development programme.
Genesis Bakery unites
with Brennans Bakeries Genesis Bakery has entered a shared distribution partnership with Brennans Bakeries aimed at expanding bakery distribution and improving product availability across Northern Ireland. The agreement brings together the two bakery businesses to align elements of their logistics and delivery networks. The companies said the arrangement is intended to improve route efficiency, increase coverage and provide more consistent access to products for retailers, including stores not previously served by either business. Under the new distribution model, Genesis Bakery will deliver a selected range of Brennans Bakeries bread products directly to local retailers in Northern Ireland. Both companies said product quality and freshness standards will be maintained under the arrangement. JP Lyttle, commercial and product development director at Genesis Bakery, said the partnership would broaden the company’s existing range and extend its distribution footprint. “By working together, we can optimise our distribution routes and improve service coverage across Northern Ireland,” he said. Colin Todd, national sales manager at Brennans Bakeries, said the partnership would support wider availability of Brennans products in the region. “By using Genesis Bakery’s local distribution network, we can strengthen service levels and improve access to our bread for retailers and consumers,” he said. The companies said the shared distribution model is expected to support increased delivery frequency and a stronger in-store presence for both brands. Genesis Bakery and Brennans Bakeries will work with retail customers during the rollout to ensure continuity of service. Genesis Bakery is a locally owned business based in Magherafelt and employs more than 250 people.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 • KENNEDY’S BAKERY PRODUCTION • 7
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