Grilstad expands the product range to include fresh ready-made foods by acquiring a 49% stake in the company Matpartner AS. Matpartner is a significant supplier of ready-made meals for retail and catering with a turnover of approximately NOK 200 mill in 2019. The company was established in 1997 and has today 64 employees and operations in a modern production facility in Melhus, Trøndelag.
The background for the acquisition and partnership is that both companies want to grow in the market for fresh ready-made foods and meal solutions. Matpartner has unique expertise in the development and production of ready-made meals and meal solutions. Grilstad has a long and experienced organization with competence in production, developing strong brands and bringing new innovations to the market. In addition, Grilstad will provide access to raw materials and bring an established sales force into the partnership.
Together the two companies bring experience and competence that complement each other well.
John Forseth, CEO of Matpartner, says that the partnership with Grilstad opens new opportunities for both companies; “The starting point is that we grow stronger together. By combining the expertise and strengths of both companies, the ambition is to become a leading supplier in the Norwegian market, both to the grocery market and to the hotel, restaurant and service market”.
Jørgen Wiig, CEO of Grilstad adds that; “We are seeing a change in people’s eating habits, and fresh ready meals is a category with good growth. We believe that consumers will prefer meal solutions and accessories that are easy to succeed. We also see that a lack of chefs in the hotel, restaurant and service market has led to an increased need for ready-to-heat concepts. Together with Matpartner, we have the ambition to contribute to innovation and development of new products within these markets”.
