Campbell acquires snacks group, expands global footprint

CAMDEN, N.J. — Campbell Soup Company continues expanding its brands portfolio with its acquisition of Kelsen Group A/S, a producer of baked snacks, including the Kjeldsens and Royal Dansk brands, sold in 85 countries around the world.

Based in Nørre Snede, Denmark, Kelsen is a market leader in the assortment segment of the sweet biscuits category in China and Hong Kong, where growth in sweet biscuits is outpacing the growth of the $60 billion global sweet biscuits market.

Campbell will operate Kelsen as a standalone business, reporting to Luca Mignini, president of Campbell International. Senior members of Kelsen’s management team, including Brian Rønsholdt, CEO of Kelsen Group, will continue to lead the business.

“We are excited to bring Kelsen’s talented team and distinctive brands to Campbell. The acquisition of Kelsen, with its strong brand awareness in China and Hong Kong, is an ideal complement to Campbell’s global baked snack businesses and a platform for additional growth for Campbell in key emerging markets,” said Mignini.

Campbell Soup Company is a manufacturer and marketer of soup and sauces, snacks and healthy beverages. Founded in 1869, the company has a portfolio of brands that include Campbell’s, Pepperidge Farm, Arnott’s, V8, Bolthouse Farms and Plum Organics — the latter which it acquired just a couple of months ago.