Royal A-ware plans to invest in new cheese factory

BELGIUM – Royal A-ware has been working on plans to build a cheese factory at its existing site in Pajottegem in Belgium.

In a joint statement with the Pajottegem local council, the Netherlands-based dairy group said an initial feasibility study yielded positive results.

Citing the Pajottegem site’s central location in Flemish Brabant, Royal A-ware said the proposed plant would focus on local sourcing.

“Royal A-ware is constantly exploring ways to develop its production capacity in a future-proof manner,” the company said. “In doing so, the family-run business considers it important to explore opportunities for processing milk from local dairy farmers on-site.”

However, the company noted that submitting the planning application does not guarantee the project will go ahead. No timeline has been set for the project.

The company will make a decision only after securing planning approval and completing an assessment of the business case.

Royal A-ware supplies cheese, butter and yogurt to retail, foodservice and industrial customers.

The company employs more than 5,300 people across operations in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and the US, generating a turnover of €4.4 billion (US$5.1 billion) in 2025.

The potential new factory follows a string of acquisitions by the family-owned group this year.

The company announced plans to acquire LaBan Foods, a move that would expand its dairy product portfolio into butter specialities and support its broader diversification strategy.

The proposed transaction would bring LaBan Foods’ specialist knowledge and distinctive butter range into Royal A-ware’s business, allowing the international family-owned company to offer a broader range of products to its customers.

For LaBan Foods, the proposed acquisition is expected to provide the scale and resources needed to support its next phase of growth.

Additionally, the company also agreed to acquire a 35% stake in Amalthea, a producer of goat’s cheese, other goat dairy products and organic cow’s cheese.

Under the partnership, Royal A-ware will oversee the domestic and international marketing of Amalthea’s goat’s cheese and organic goat’s cheese. Ausnutria will continue processing whey proteins for use in infant nutrition products.

The companies also plan to invest jointly in the development and expansion of Amalthea’s cheese factory, as they seek to meet growing demand for goat’s cheese in the Netherlands and international markets.

To receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa, the Middle East and around the world, SUBSCRIBE HERE.