Nestlé sells South Africa’s Cremora Creamer business to Lactalis SA

SOUTH AFRICA – Nestlé has announced the sale of its Cremora creamers business in South Africa to dairy giant Lactalis SA.

Cremora, a brand deeply rooted in South African households for over 77 years, will now be managed under the banner of Lactalis, which is expanding its presence in the local market.

Despite the sale, the global company emphasized its commitment to the region’s economic development and its focus on long-term sustainability in Southern and Eastern Africa.

Cremora is currently manufactured at two Nestlé plants in South Africa, located in Babelegi and Potchefstroom, both of which are included in the deal.

According to a Nestlé spokesperson, there are no jobs that will be affected as part of the transaction. The brand has also been produced in Zimbabwe at a plant in Harare, but this site will cease production of Cremora after the deal.

Instead, the Zimbabwe facility will focus on producing other Nestlé brands, including the Everyday creamer and Cerevita breakfast cereal.

While Nestlé is exiting the Cremora business, it emphasized that the decision to offload Cremora is part of a broader realignment strategy aimed at keeping its business in East and Southern Africa competitive and sustainable in the long run.

Nestlé noted that it operates five production facilities in South Africa, producing a range of goods from beverages to milk products, ice cream, and confectionery, and that the sale of Cremora will not impact its broader operations.

In Zimbabwe, the Harare plant remains Nestlé’s sole facility, but the company assured that this site will continue to play a key role in its future investment and sustainable development efforts.

Mota Mota, Nestlé’s regional head of communications, expressed confidence that the brand is being passed on to capable hands at Lactalis.

 “We believe that Cremora is in good hands with Lactalis,” he said, adding that the transition will serve the best interests of employees, customers, and consumers alike, ensuring Cremora continues to deliver quality products under new ownership.

The acquisition by Lactalis South Africa is pending regulatory approval, and financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Lactalis, a global dairy leader based in France, already has a significant footprint in South Africa. It operates in several regions across the country, including the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu Natal.

The company’s portfolio in South Africa includes well-known brands like Président, Parmalat, Melrose, Steri Stumpie, and Bonnita.

Herman Janse van Rensburg, the general manager for Lactalis South Africa, stated that this acquisition aligns with the company’s ongoing strategy to diversify its product offerings and better meet the preferences of South African consumers.

“We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to the Lactalis family as we continue to build on the rich heritage of Cremora,” van Rensburg said, noting that the goal is to ensure a seamless transition for customers and consumers.

“With the sale, we are set to build on the legacy of Cremora, ensuring that the beloved creamer remains a staple in South African homes.”

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