Unilever expands ice cream portfolio with acquisition of Australia’s Weis

Global food conglomerate Unilever has agreed a deal to buy an Australian frozen dessert company.

Weis is a second-generation Australian company, founded in 1957 by Les Weis with the original Fruito Bar. Its range features a variety of ice cream formats including single bar, multi-pack bars, dairy-free sorbet tubs and frozen yogurt tubs.

Weis ice creams will continue to be made in its factory in Toowoomba, Queensland, using locally sourced, natural ingredients. Financial details of the purchase were not revealed.

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These Australian products will join Unilever brands Grom, Ben & Jerry’s and Talenti in what is a high-growth segment for the company.

Clive Stiff, Unilever Australia & New Zealand CEO, said: “We are delighted to bring Weis’ exciting and delicious range into our portfolio, adding another Australian favourite to our leading ice cream range. This acquisition will bring Weis the benefits of scale, strong market access and ice cream category expertise to help take the business to the next level in its growth.

“We are committed to providing Weis consumers and customers with the same exceptional products with the same high quality natural ingredients. We look forward to welcoming Weis’ strong, dedicated and passionate team to Unilever.”

Weis Managing Director, Julie Weis, added: “Our family made this decision because Unilever demonstrated their understanding of our brand, our products and how important our people and the Toowoomba manufacturing site are in ensuring Weis’ success into the future. In addition Unilever’s scale will enable greater market access and growth that will provide opportunities for our extended Weis family of staff, suppliers, customers and of course our wonderful consumers.”