Lactalis Canada Inc. – the Canadian dairy leader behind iconic brands such as Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia and a subsidiary of France-based Lactalis Group – today announced that it has reached an agreement with Marie Morin Canada to acquire its business based in Canada. The acquisition will see Lactalis Canada entering the dessert category, in both the Canadian and U.S. markets, and joins Lactalis Canada’s extensive dairy portfolio of cheese, tablespreads, yogourt and fluid brands.

Lactalis Canada will acquire Marie Morin Canada’s product line of premium desserts featuring the finest traditional recipes including its signature crème brûlée, chocolate mousse and cheesecakes. The transaction will also include Marie Morin Canada’s production facility in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Québec and the addition of 52 employees who will join Lactalis Canada’s existing 4,000+ employees and 30 operating sites including 19 manufacturing facilities in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia.

“We are delighted to add Marie Morin Canada and its product line of signature desserts to the Lactalis Canada family,” said Mark Taylor, President & CEO, Lactalis Canada. “As part of our broad-based dairy portfolio that continues to evolve and expand to meet consumer trends and demands, this acquisition will enable Lactalis Canada to pursue its strategy in developing desserts for the North American market and will further expand our product offering for our valued retail and foodservice customers.”

With fresh and frozen desserts in glass jars, Marie Morin Canada was established in Québec in 2004 by David Morin and Sophie Le Vexier. Marie Morin Canada manufactures and markets its traditional French recipes in North America, offering consumers unique, restaurant quality, delicious desserts, made with simple and natural ingredients.