World’s top dairy maker plans Chicago expansion

The expansion comes as Lactalis prepares to separate its supply chain and finance systems as part of the integration of Kraft brands including Cracker Barrel and Knudsen. — Bloomberg

NEW YORK: The world’s largest dairy maker, France’s Groupe Lactalis, is expanding in Chicago after a US$3.2bil (RM14.9bil) deal to acquire cheese brands from Kraft Heinz Co.

The family-owned company plans to hire almost 100 people at its offices in the Windy City over the next year, according to Peter Cotter, chief executive officer of Lactalis Heritage Dairy – the business that runs the natural cheese brands bought from Kraft.