BOURGOGNE, FRANCE — Axereal and Dijon Cereales announced on March 2 that they are combining their milling units Axiane and Dijon Cereales Meunerie, which will create France’s second largest miller.

Effective July 1, the joint company will produce 430,000 tonnes of flour at 10 mills and will have 600 employees. The Axiane unit produces 320,000 tonnes of flour at eight mills, while Dijon Cereales Meunerie produces 110,000 tonnes of flour at two mills.

“This combination truly makes sense, based on a combination of tenders and geographical areas,” said Philippe Guez, Axereal and Pierre Raynal, Dijon Grain. “It is beneficial and positive for milling customers of the two groups and their employees."

In addition to the 10 mills, the joint company will have six distribution platforms, ensuring proximity to its customers. 

Company leaders said the new business will work toward innovations to increase supply and bring the best solutions to all its clients. It aims to support R&D in the entire sector from agricultural production of wheat flour through the milling process.

Axereal is an agricultural and agribusiness cooperative group made up of more than 100 different companies situated mainly in France, but also in Belgium, in Central Europe (Hungary, Croatia and Serbia), in Algeria and the U.K.

Dijon Cereales is an agricultural and agri-food group based in Bourgogne, France. Its activities range from grain trading to milling and logistics.