Scottish Plant-Based Cheese Maker Acquired By Canadian Company Saputo

Canadian dairy giant Saputo completed the acquisition of Scottish company Bute Island Foods Ltd., an innovative manufacturer of dairy alternative cheese products for both the retail and foodservice market segments, owner of the award-winning vegan Sheese brand. 

Bute Island Foods is located on the Isle of Bute, off the West Coast of Scotland and employs approximately 180 people, including its founders.

“We are delighted to welcome the Bute Island Foods team and the wealth of knowledge they bring to our global family. Our commitment remains to expand our footprint in the dairy alternatives space to meet the changing demands of our customers and consumers. This investment marks an important milestone that will allow us to accelerate our growth in this area globally, putting innovation at the forefront of our priorities,” said Lino A. Saputo, Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Saputo Inc.

The company said it will pledge more than CDN$5 million over five years to support local Bute Island community initiatives. Community engagement is important to Saputo who strives to invest 1% of its pre-tax profits each year in community programs and organisations that promote a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages. 

Saputo is one of the top ten dairy processors in the world. The company produces, markets, and distributes quality dairy products including cheese, milk and cream products, cultured products, and dairy ingredients. Saputo products are sold in several countries under market-leading brands, as well as private label brands. 

 In the United Kingdom, Saputo is the largest manufacturer of branded cheese and a top manufacturer of dairy spreads.