The acquisition of Délifrance continues to create obstacles for Vandemoortele. Following the European Commission's concerns, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority is now demanding corrections before giving the deal its final green light.
The issue primarily concerns frozen bakery products. According to the CMA, the merger of the two companies would create a highly concentrated group in the sector, with a combined turnover of approximately €2,4 billion.
To meet the British authorities' demands, Vandemoortele has proposed selling its Worcester plant. The site employs 73 people, covers approximately 13.400 square meters, and specializes in the production of frozen bakery products, particularly puff pastry.
The proposed package doesn't just involve the plant. The divestment would also include puff pastry production activities, commercial contracts, and part of the related distribution operations.
This isn't the first antitrust measure imposed. In December 2025, Vandemoortele had already agreed to sell two Délifrance plants in France, in Avignon and Béthune, to address the European Commission's concerns.
The sale of the two French sites, which also supply the British market, has not yet been completed. Sammontana had also emerged as a potential buyer.
Délifrance closed 2024 with consolidated revenues of €930 million and, prior to the transaction, operated 14 production sites. This acquisition represents Vandemoortele's largest ever and is part of the Belgian group's strong expansion strategy across Europe, Italy, and the United States.
The CMA has now opened a public consultation to assess whether the proposed remedies are sufficient to maintain an adequate level of competition in the UK market.
If the plan is approved, Vandemoortele will be able to complete the acquisition and integrate the rest of Délifrance's international activities, strengthening its presence, particularly in Europe and Asia.
