The landmark deal will see Puratos take on Dawn Foods’ considerable global presence as it expands its international reach even further.
Dawn Foods, which is headquartered in the Michigan, US, was founded in 1920. Currently, it employs almost 4,000 people globally, working with more than 50,000 artisanal and retail bakers, food service firms across 100+ countries worldwide.
Puratos’ own journey began in 1919, moving from a father-son operation to an international bakery business that now has 75 production units in 52 countries and subsidiaries in 84 countries.
Strongly focused on food science, Puratos’ 10,800+ employees includes more than 1,200 R&D researchers and technical advisors. With 119 innovation centres around the world, it boasts considerable expertise in fermentation, sourdough, grains and seeds, patisserie classics, and chocolate craftsmanship.
Commenting on the deal, Pierre Tossut, CEO of Puratos said the agreement reflects “a major long-term step for Puratos“.
He continued: “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, understand deeply, and have successfully developed over generations.”
Philippe Arnauts told Food Manufacture that the amalgamation of Dawn and Puratos will enable them to better serve customers whose needs increasingly span both efficient mainstream production and more technology-driven solutions, across a wider range of bakery and sweet goods applications.
“Dawn Foods and Puratos bring together highly complementary strengths in the UK — Dawn’s expertise in authentic American sweet baked goods and large‑scale, efficient production, alongside Puratos’s R&D led innovation and tailoring capabilities would allow Puratos to better serve UK customers across an even broader range of needs," said Arnauts.
Carrie Jones-Barber, CEO of Dawn Foods added: “Dawn has grown into a global business by staying focused on what matters most - our people, our products, and the customers we serve.
“As we looked to the future, it was important to find a partner aligned with our values and our long-term view of the business. Like Dawn, Puratos is a family-owned company with a strong heritage and a deep commitment to people, quality, and the baking industry.”
The acquisition of Dawn Foods is expected to complete by the end of 2026, subject to all customary regulatory approvals. Until approval is reached, both businesses will continue to operate as entirely separate entities; with no planned changes for day-to-day operations, customer relationships or commercial arrangements.
