The five-pronged strategy includes an additional $500 million for biosecurity measures, $400 million in financial relief for affected farmers, and $100 million for vaccine research, action to reduce regulatory burdens, and exploring temporary import options.
The recall is out of an abundance of caution following a notification from the company’s supplier that the “easy-open,” pull-tab can lid on limited products encountered a manufacturing defect that may compromise the integrity of the product seal.
Over the past several months, the company has made progress in safety and quality, with several interventions and innovations implemented across the organization.
The all-cash transaction is valued at approximately $40 million, subject to a working-capital adjustment, and includes relevant trademarks and licenses and the company’s manufacturing facility in Chicago.
With the addition of more than 90 family farms and a modern egg processing facility in Iowa, this combination will support Pete & Gerry’s growth, particularly across the Midwest and West.
With Melt&Marble contributing its proprietary fats, and Valio bringing its knowledge of formulation and food application, the companies will work on developing products that meet industry demand for functionality and taste.
The new institute serves as Lactalis’ North American culinary and sensory channel operations and aims to foster innovation, enhance customer and consumer experiences with the company’s dairy products, and test product quality.