Longueuil, March 14, 2008 – Agropur Cooperative, Canada's largest dairy cooperative, has just acquired the Drummondville-based dairy Laiterie Lamothe.
The dairy will join the Agropur Division Natrel, a Canadian leader in fluid milk and value-added dairy products. "What's special about Laiterie Lamothe is that it caters to market segments in which we're not active, like organic milk. This acquisition will allow us to expand our line of products and to be more active in a region where our presence is less felt," said Agropur's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Pierre Claprood.
"The Laiterie Lamothe has been part of the Centre-du-Québec landscape for nearly 100 years and the whole region is very proud of it. The Agropur family is happy to be able to rely on the reputation of Lamothe products and know-how of its employees," he added.
"I thank clients and consumers for their loyalty toward Lamothe products over all these years. I hope they will continue to buy them while now giving their support to Natrel. I am happy that Agropur is continuing its plant operations and proud that the company has expansion projects for organic milk," said Mr. Jean-Claude Lamothe, the dairy's President.
About Laiterie Lamothe
Established in 1913, Laiterie Lamothe & Frères Ltée produces a range of quality fresh dairy products, including fluid milk, flavoured milk, Omega-3 enriched milk and organic milk. Since its foundation, it has been working with local dairy farmers to make its products, which are available in many stores throughout Quebec.
About Agropur
Founded in 1938, Agropur cooperative is a leader in the Canadian dairy industry, with sales of $2.45 billion. It has 3,783 members, nearly 4,800 employees and 25 plants in Canada, the U.S. and Argentina, as well as numerous distribution centres across the country. It processes more than nearly two and a half billion litres of milk per year and offers an impressive line of products, which includes such famous brands as Québon, Oka, Sealtest and Natrel and Yoplait.