Unicorn Grain Specialties has a strong presence in Northern Europe in the cereals and pulses ingredients markets, relying on heat treatment technologies (puffed cereals, cooking-extrusion, flaking).

Limagrain said the combination of strengths will provide enhanced expertise and innovative ingredients to their customers involved in the bakery, snacking, breakfast cereal, ready meals and animal nutrition markets.

The new group, with a workforce of 350 employees, will generate a turnover close to €150 million and will strengthen its position as a European leader in cereal ingredients, Limagrain said. It will process more than 330,000 tonnes of grain each year in seven production plants across Europe.

“Unicorn has a very strong presence in the Benelux and Germany, competitive and innovative products, a team with a solid know-how,” said Emmanuel Goujon, managing director of LCI. “The two companies share one and the same vision of food that must be safe, natural, and a source of pleasure.”

Pieter Spanjers, managing director of Unicorn Grain Specialties

Pieter Spanjers, managing director of Unicorn Grain Specialties, added, “This operation marks an opportunity to accelerate our development strategy with the strength of Limagrain Group and to enter a new dimension. We are delighted to be able to benefit from LCI’s size, geographic location, product offerings and cereal expertise. Together with four locations in Europe (France, the Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom), we create a European leader with strong ambitions. Limagrain Céréales Ingrédients is a strategic partner who, like us, is convinced of the strength of innovation to develop natural solutions with high added value for our customers.”