Puratos Australia-New Zealand, Sydney, a subsidiary of Purato, Brussels, has acquired Melbourne Jam Manufacturing Co. Pty. Ltd., a Australian producer of fruit and patisserie fillings for artisanal and industrial customers.

The acquisition will mean multiple benefits for both companies and their customers. Puratos will expand business to all states in Australia, thanks to Melbourne Jam Manufacturing’s existing national distribution network and its large-capacity, Melbourne-based production facility. Complementary R&D teams, along with local production, will strengthen Puratos’ capability to customize products for specific applications and processing requirements, thus driving innovation in the Australian baked goods industry. Australian and New Zealand customers will benefit from a wider selection of high-quality, innovative and locally manufactured products. Employment opportunities for local communities are also anticipated to increase.

“Puratos has invested strongly in this market for several years now,” says Peter Deriemaeker, markets director for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. “We aim to constantly improve our offer according to the evolving needs and expectations of customers and consumers. The acquisition of Melbourne Jam Manufacturing, a successful local enterprise, will help us to meet the specific needs of the full range of baked goods businesses, from artisan, semi-industry and industry to supermarket and foodservice.”

Carey Baker-Mackie, managing director of Melbourne Jam Manufacturing Co., adds: “This acquisition will ensure the business continues to grow and build upon its 90-year heritage. We trust Puratos with this legacy; Melbourne Jam Manufacturing Co. products are complementary to those of Puratos Australia and will continue to be available through the established network of distributos in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.” The company will operate under the name Puratos Australia-New Zealand.