General Mills acquires Edgard and Cooper

American firm General Mills has announced that it has acquired pet food manufacturer Edgard and Cooper.

This deal further advances its Accelerate strategy, including the prioritisation of its core markets, global platforms and “local gem” brands.

Headquartered in Kortrijk, Belgium, Edgard and Cooper will be a separate operating unit led by its three founders, Koen Bostoen, Louis Chalabi and Jürgen Degrande, with its financial results consolidated into General Mills’ International segment.

Established in 2016, Edgard and Cooper is one of the fastest-growing and most-recognized independent pet food companies in Europe, with estimated 2023 retail sales of more than €100m (£85.6m) across 13 markets.

With omnichannel distribution capabilities and a commitment to sustainability, the brand is delivering high-quality pet food to dogs and cats across Europe.

Jon Nudi, group president, Pet, International and North America Foodservice, General Mills, said: “Edgard and Cooper is at the intersection of our Accelerate strategy’s core markets and global platforms. We’re thrilled to welcome the Edgard and Cooper team to the General Mills family, and we look forward to partnering together to advance their mission to revolutionise premium, natural pet food.”

Koen Bostoen, founder, Edgard and Cooper, added: We’re excited to join Team General Mills and continue doing what Edgard and Cooper is passionate about — making better dog and cat food with real ingredients that pets love and pet owners feel good about. Combining our brand’s natural positioning and commercial capabilities with General Mills’ marketing and supply chain expertise, we’re ready to accelerate Edgard and Cooper’s growth.”

General Mills is the owner of brands such as Cheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs and Old El Paso.