Royal FrieslandCampina N.V., Amersfoort, the Netherlands, said it acquired U.S.-based importer and distributor Jana Foods. The acquisition will further strengthen FrieslandCampina’s position in supplying Dutch specialty cheese to U.S. consumers.  

“This acquisition supports our strategy of investing for growth,” said Roel van Neerbos, president, FrieslandCampina Consumer Dairy. “This investment is in line with our strategy to grow our cheese business and strengthens our position in the Americas. This deal will allow us to offer consumers a wider portfolio of innovative products for the U.S. market.”

Jana Foods imports and markets FrieslandCampina’s Dutch cheese in the United States, along with other fine cheeses from the UK, Denmark, Australia, Ireland and other countries, FrieslandCampina said. The Iselin, N.J.-based company has been an important strategic partner of FrieslandCampina in the United States for many years. It has helped establish a strong position for FrieslandCampina’s international cheese with the distribution of the Kroon, A Dutch Masterpiece and Gayo Azul cheese brands.

FrieslandCampina’s products cover a wide range of specialty imported Dutch cheeses, ranging from mild, aged and smoked Gouda to Edam, Swiss Emmental and goat cheese. Jana Foods will be integrated in the FrieslandCampina Consumer Dairy U.S.A. business. Dan Lynch, former owner and CEO of Jana Foods, will remain involved in the business as vice president of imports and senior commercial advisor, FrieslandCampina said.